Environment News
Thailand environment news, climate change, sustainability, and natural disasters—stay updated on eco-initiatives, biodiversity conservation, and renewable energy efforts. Get the latest from The Thaiger, your trusted source for environmental news in Thailand.
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Sponsored How to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses in Thailand?
Managing medical expenses in Thailand is important as healthcare costs continue to rise. The country’s healthcare system includes both public and private options, but even with the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) for citizens, many still face high out-of-pocket medical expenses....
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Flooding in Chiang Rai claims two lives, submerges 15,000 rai of farmland
Heavy rains in Chiang Rai led to severe flooding, resulting in two fatalities and trapping 20 individuals in a convenience store. Agricultural land spanning 15,000 rai is now submerged due to rising water levels. Continuous heavy rainfall in Chiang Rai caused significant water level increases in several rivers, particularly in the Ing River, which originates from Kwan Phayao and flows…
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Viral dugong sighting stuns Phuket
A video of a rare dugong swimming near the bustling Rawai Bridge in Phuket has taken social media by storm, sparking calls for immediate action from local officials. The 41-second clip, posted on the Phuket Info Centre’s Facebook page, shows the elusive sea creature gracefully navigating the waters of Rawai Beach, a popular tourist destination. Filmed yesterday morning, August 20,…
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Heavy rainfall in Phayao triggers severe flooding
Heavy rainfall in Phayao has led to severe flooding, affecting over 400 households as flash floods swept through the area. Residents struggled to salvage their belongings, while local government officials rushed to assist. Continuous heavy rains battered Phayao for several days, resulting in flash floods that inundated multiple areas. Early in the morning, flash floods surged into Ban Kue Wiang,…
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Thailand launches anti-dumping probe on Chinese aluminium extrusions
Thailand’s Foreign Trade Department initiated an anti-dumping investigation into the import of aluminium extrusions from China. This move follows complaints from local steel manufacturers who claim that the surge in imports is detrimental to domestic production. Caretaker Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai stated that the investigation is part of a broader strategy by the ministry to address the influx of Chinese…
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PEA launches first sustainability bond worth 1 billion baht
The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) announced the successful launch of its first sustainability bond, marking a significant step towards its green finance goals and that of Thailand. PEA Governor Supachai Ek-Un, along with representatives from the Public Debt Management Office (PDMO), Asian Development Bank (ADB), Bangkok Bank, DNV (Thailand), and Thai Bond Market Association, held a press conference yesterday, August…
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Mae On reservoirs quake the worry but hold strong
Reservoirs in the Mae On district have been declared structurally sound after being struck by a 3.4-magnitude earthquake yesterday morning. The Royal Irrigation Operation (RIO) conducted a thorough inspection to assess any potential damage. Keaurkul Manasamphankul, RIO director, confirmed that the Maintenance Department was tasked with evaluating the structural integrity of the Mae On and Mae Takhrai reservoirs. These reservoirs…
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Landslides trap 400 in Mae Hong Son village, urgent aid needed
Over 400 residents in a hillside village in Mae Hong Son‘s Khun Yuam district urgently called for help as they awaited evacuation following several landslides. The main road leading into the village became impassable after heavy rain on Monday, leaving them stranded. Phachat Chomchopdi, a resident, reached out to local government officials yesterday, August 13, reporting that while no injuries…
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Bangkok councillors support port relocation to ease congestion
Bangkok councillors have thrown their weight behind the Transport Ministry‘s proposal to shift the capital’s port operations to a new location, aiming to alleviate traffic congestion and reduce air pollution. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri announced yesterday, August 13, that five councillors have formally backed the plan through a letter submitted to the ministry. Kittipong Ruayfupan, Bangkok councillor for Thung…
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Dugong to the rescue: Calf gets a nursery boost after Krabi solo act
A young dugong calf, found alone near Koh Poda in Krabi, has been transferred to a nursery in Trang for care and medical attention. Tourists discovered the calf yesterday and promptly notified officials from the Andaman Sea Lower Marine and Coastal Resources Research Centre. Pinsak Suraswadi, Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, confirmed the incident and detailed…
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Thailand lawyers to sue over invasive blackchin tilapia damage
The Lawyers Council of Thailand is gearing up to file a lawsuit against private companies and state agencies responsible for the proliferation of blackchin tilapia, an invasive fish species from West Africa that is rapidly overtaking the country’s waterways. A council team yesterday, August 10, established a booth at Wat Khao Yi San in Samut Songkhram’s Amphawa district. This initiative…
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Weather warning as 38 provinces braced for heavy rainfall
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a weather warning today, with 38 provinces expected to experience rainfall despite a general decrease in precipitation. Heavy rains are particularly forecasted for the eastern and southern regions, affecting 60% of these areas. A weakening southwest monsoon currently covers the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, along with a low-pressure area…
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Bang Lamung makes aquatic splash for Queen Sirikit’s birthday
Bang Lamung saw a wave of environmental activity yesterday as a joint venture spearheaded a significant release of aquatic animals into the sea. This initiative was organised in honour of Her Royal Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother’s soon-to-be 92nd birthday on Monday, August 12. The event unfolded at the Banglamung Municipal Fisheries Group Office, with District Chief Porachai Sang-iet…
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Mekong River floods roads in Nakhon Phanom, warnings issued
The Mekong River has overflowed, flooding roads by half a metre, prompting warnings for four districts to take caution. Heavy rains have been relentless recently. Residents have been fishing amidst the rising waters. Floodwaters from the Mekong River submerged Sawan Chai Khong Road in Nakhon Phanom province, as reported yesterday. The road, constructed 30 to 40 metres from the riverbank,…
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Phuket launches urgent cleanup to boost tourism on Karon Beach
Phuket officials initiated an urgent cleanup operation at Karon Beach, aiming to address concerns over its impact on tourism. Governor Sophon Suwannarat led a meeting with the local Joint Public and Private Sector Committee on Economic Development, focusing on regulating beach umbrellas at Karon Beach, Kata Beach, and Patong Beach. The cleanup drive targets the removal of beach umbrellas and…
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Thailand takes off with green aviation: SAF guidelines
Thailand’s Energy Ministry is poised to unveil groundbreaking guidelines on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the final quarter of this year, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT). This initiative tackles the colossal carbon footprint of the energy sector, the top offender in global warming. With the energy sector spewing out a staggering 69% of total emissions—40% from…
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Wild elephant found dead from electrocution in Ranong sanctuary
A wild elephant was found dead from electrocution at the radar hill in the Thungraya-Nasak Wildlife Sanctuary in Ranong province. The elephant, believed to have pulled down a tree that fell on high-voltage power lines, was discovered by local government officials who are now working to protect the remaining five elephants in the area. Chawakun Sithisak, deputy inspector of Muang…
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Minor earthquakes strike Chiang Rai twice in an hour
An earthquake struck Chiang Rai province twice within an hour, both with a magnitude of 1.4. The incidents occurred without any immediate reports of tremors. An earthquake with a magnitude of 1.4 was reported in Chiang Rai province twice within an hour. According to the Earthquake Surveillance Division of the Meteorological Department, the first earthquake occurred at 1.59am today, August…
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2-metre crocodile crossing road sparks panic in central Thailand
A 2-metre crocodile was spotted crossing a road in the village of Nonmu, Kabin Buri district, Prachin Buri province, causing panic among the residents. The reptile appeared yesterday evening, August 5, and disappeared into the darkness, prompting local authorities to launch a search to capture it due to potential safety concerns. Eyewitnesses reported being shocked and immediately stopping their vehicles…
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Leading international and Thai green advocates headline Asia’s leading sustainability tourism event, PHIST 2024
One of the world’s most inspirational green advocates will headline PHIST this year as Asia’s pioneering sustainability event enters its 8th year. You can register to join the event that advocates for sustainability through the Eventbrite registration website. Unsung hero of sustainability Andrew Dixon, a former banker turned green activist, owner and operator of two private island resorts in Indonesian…
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Nakhon Nayok hit by sudden flooding after dam water release
Nakhon Nayok experienced sudden flooding early today as Khun Dan Prakarnchon Dam began releasing water without prior notice. Flooding inundated several areas along the Nakhon Nayok River in Mueang district, today, August 5. Media outlets showcased the rising waters at resorts near the dam and along the riverbanks. Volunteers from the Ruam Katanyu Foundation’s Nakhon Nayok branch reported receiving calls…
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Thailand to increase forest ranger salaries and workforce
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment plans to bolster its forest protection efforts by increasing the number of forest rangers, aiming to alleviate the current workload and enhance forest conservation across the nation. Ratchata Pisitbannakorn, assistant to Environment Minister Phatcharavat Wongsuwan, highlighted the ministry’s appreciation for the diligent work of rangers during a World Ranger Day event on Wednesday,…
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Chinese-owned factory fined 1.8 billion baht for waste water in reservoir
Chachoengsao Provincial Court fined a Chinese-owned factory 1.8 billion baht for releasing waste water into the Jone Reservoir in the central province of Chachoengsao. THH Moly Processing Company’s illegal action came to light in 2019 after 2 million cubic metres of water in the Jone Reservoir was contaminated with multiple toxic substances. Locals could not use the water for consumption…
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Severe flooding in Mae Hong Son threatens rice fields
Heavy rainfall in Mae Hong Son has caused the Mae Sa Nga River to overflow, flooding over 1,000 rai of rice fields. The famous Sutongpe Bridge, a well-known tourist spot, is also at risk of submersion, with landslides blocking several roads. Mae Hong Son is currently facing a crisis due to continuous heavy rainfall which has led to severe flooding…
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Pattaya City launches nature restoration to enhance ecotourism
Pattaya City has embarked on a significant nature restoration project aimed at enhancing ecotourism and revitalising the ecosystem in the Na Kluea area. The initiative kicked off with a ceremony at Khlong Nok Yang in Na Kluea, attended by local officials, including Pattaya City Mayor Poramese Ngampiches, Pattaya City Deputy Mayor Manoch Nongyai, and the mayor’s secretary, Phumipat Kamolnat. The…
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Shrimp farmer in Samut Prakan finds potential hybrid fish
A shrimp farm owner in Samut Prakan has discovered a fish believed to be a hybrid between a blackchin tilapia and a blackchin gourami and has called for further investigation into its potential impact on local agriculture. Adisorn Chansuksawasdi, the owner of the shrimp farm located in Moo 6, Khlong Dan subdistrict, Bang Bo district, invited journalists to inspect his…
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Heavy flooding forces closures in Khao Yai National Park
Heavy flooding has led to the closure of key sites in Khao Yai National Park, impacting popular tourist destinations and local communities. Takhro Falls and the Sai Yai River in Prachinburi were shut down yesterday, while Nang Rong Falls in Nakhon Nayok followed suit today. Park chief Chaiya Huaihongthong confirmed the closures, attributing them to the continuous downpours that have…
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Severe flooding in Chanthaburi and Trat amid relentless rainfall
Severe flooding gripped Chanthaburi and Trat yesterday, as relentless rainfall continued to batter the regions. Heavy downpours, driven by the convergence of the monsoon trough over northern Thailand and upper Laos along with a moderate southwest monsoon, have caused significant water accumulation in these eastern provinces, according to Paitoon Kengkarnchang from the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR). To…
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Blackchin tilapia threat leads to fish destruction in Phuket
Concerns over the potential invasion of blackchin tilapia in Phuket have led to the destruction of 20 kilogrammes of the fish sold at local markets. The environmental group Monsoon Garbage Thailand sparked the action, highlighting the ecological threat posed by the species if it were to establish itself in the island’s waters. The blackchin tilapia, a cichlid species native to…
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Prime minister fears for Trat amid worsening floods
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin voiced serious concern about the ongoing flooding in Trat, which has persisted since it was first reported last week. The government is closely monitoring the situation in the eastern province, according to a Facebook post by the Thai premier yesterday, July 29. The 62 year old Thai prime minister expressed gratitude to the Royal Thai Armed…
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Japan urges ASEAN to prioritise hybrids over EVs for sustainability
Japan advocates for hybrid vehicles as an effective path for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to reach sustainable development goals. During the Economic Security and Supply Chains seminar, Yasuyuki Todo from the Faculty of Political Science and Economics at Waseda University cautioned ASEAN about over-relying on the electric vehicle (EV) industry. He pointed out that since Asean mainly…
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