pollution
- Thailand News
Thailand tackles plastic waste imports crisis head-on (video)
In a decisive move to clean up its act, Thailand slammed the brakes on plastic waste imports, turning from a dumping ground into a leader in the global battle against pollution. From January 1, this year, the country has shut its doors to overseas plastic refuse, sending ripples through the world of waste. It’s a bold step forward for Thailand,…
- Health
Bangkok’s waterways get a cleaner, greener future with ‘Pitak Tara’ canal-cleaning boats
If you live in Bangkok, you’re probably all too familiar with its canals, or khlongs, quietly winding their way through the city. They’re part of Bangkok’s charm, a living reminder of its past as the ‘Venice of the East.’ But while these waterways have been the city’s lifelines, transporting goods and people for centuries, they’re facing a monumental challenge, pollution.…
- Thailand News
AoT to compensate residents 12 billion baht for airport noise
Airports of Thailand (AoT) is set to distribute 12 billion baht as compensation to residents affected by noise pollution from the third runway at Suvarnabhumi Airport. This decision follows a meeting held on Monday, November 25 involving the AoT, the Transport Ministry, and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to address residents’ demands for relief from the noise generated by aircraft…
- Thailand News
Trailer Mobile drives change: Pattaya clears the air on pollution
In a bid to clear the air, Pattaya City unveiled its latest weapon against pollution yesterday: a cutting-edge mobile air and noise monitoring station, aptly named the Trailer Mobile. Launched yesterday, November 24, in a breezy ceremony on Pattaya Beach by Mayor Poramase Ngampichet, the initiative promises to keep locals and tourists clued up on the city’s environmental status. Mayor…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s smog showdown: Clearing the air with a bold 30% cut
In a bid to wipe the smog off the map, Thailand’s Pollution Control Department (PCD) is gearing up for a 2024 blitz on air pollution, aiming to slash hotspots by a daring 30%. PCD Chief Preeyaporn Suwanaked held court at a buzzing press conference, revealing the National Environment Board’s stamp of approval on an ambitious blueprint to combat haze. This…
- Thailand News
Chumphon residents force asphalt factory closure over decade-long pollution
Residents of Chumphon have taken decisive action to close an asphalt factory due to persistent odours and dust that have plagued their community for over a decade. Despite previous complaints and promises of resolution, the problems have persisted, prompting renewed protests. Yesterday, October 9, approximately 50 residents from several villages in Saphli Subdistrict, Pathio district, Chumphon province, gathered in front…
- Bangkok News
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…
- Environment News
Ministry tackles chemical waste crisis with 14.9 million baht cleanup
The Ministry of Industry initiated a collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and other relevant agencies to address areas recently contaminated with chemical waste. The Permanent Secretary of the Industry Ministry, Nattapol Rangsitpol, informed the media of the coordinated efforts yesterday, August 12. Nattapol acknowledged the issues arising from the illegal dumping of hazardous substances in Rayong,…
- Thailand News
Chiang Rai residents protest lignite coal pollution from Laos
Residents of Chiang Khong are facing severe distress due to pollution caused by a private company transporting lignite coal from Laos. Despite multiple complaints, the issue remains unresolved, prompting the district chief to order a temporary halt to the transportation. Mong Saenyai, a resident of Chiang Khong district, Chiang Rai Province, yesterday, July 2, revealed that villagers from Ban Mai…
- Thailand News
Older diesel cars said to face stricter inspections to curb pollution
The Pollution Control Department is set to introduce new regulations requiring diesel vehicles over 20 years old to undergo bi-annual inspections to tackle PM2.5 pollution. Pollution Control Department Director-General, Preeyaporn Suwannakes revealed that PM2.5 particulate matter arises from various sources and differs depending on activities in each area. Bangkok and its surrounding metropolitan area, plagued by heavy traffic congestion, are…
- Thailand News
Survey reveals pollution as Thai citizens’ biggest worry
A survey by Marketbuzzz reveals that Thais have declared environmental issues such as pollution as their top public concern for 2024, with 30% of respondents prioritising it, closely followed by rising prices at 28%. This annual survey, running since 2019, highlights the growing unease about environmental issues among Thais, who also rank other concerns like corruption, healthcare, traffic congestion, crime,…
- Thailand News
World Otter Day highlights conservation efforts in Thailand
Today marks World Otter Day, an initiative aimed to raise awareness about the protection of otters, classified as endangered wildlife. The International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF) designated the last Wednesday of May each year to highlight the threats facing otters, such as habitat destruction, illegal fur trade, pollution, and poaching. Otters, members of the weasel family, are the largest animals in…
- Phuket News
Shock delay: Phuket’s electrifying free bus service hits a roadblock
The eagerly awaited launch of Phuket’s electrifying free bus service has been put on hold until May 17, as revealed by the local business consortium, Phuket City Development Co Ltd (PKCD). This unexpected detour stems from licensing procedures that have hit a few bumps in the road, causing the delay. PKCD, in conjunction with the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation, expressed…
- Thailand News
Thai scientists find fossil-fuel pollution in Antarctica’s soil
Thai scientists have uncovered evidence of fossil-fuel pollution in the soil of Antarctica, prompting calls for stricter measures to protect the world’s most pristine environment. A research team, utilising the cutting-edge SR-FTIR microspectroscopy technique at the Thai Synchrotron National Lab in Nakhon Ratchasima, made the discovery in sediment samples collected from five sites across King George Island. Siwatt Pongpiachan, who…
- Thailand News
Smog shock: Chiang Mai claims ‘top’ spot in global pollution woes
Chiang Mai today topped the smog charts as the world’s most polluted city. The northern region of Thailand continues to be ensnared by a thick smog, causing serious health concerns for residents and visitors. The monitoring website IQAir highlighted Chiang Mai as the city with the worst air pollution levels at 9.20am. The fine dust levels were recorded at an…
- Thailand News
Acidic anxiety: Lorry leak near Mekong raises contamination fears
A lorry incident in Laos, which resulted in a sulphuric acid leak into a tributary of the Mekong River, has sparked concerns about potential water contamination along the Thailand-Laos border. However, the water quality in this stretch of the river was deemed safe yesterday, April 8, with continuous monitoring set to persist until the end of the week. Somsak Thepsutin,…
- Thailand News
Northern Thailand grapples with severe global air contamination
The hazardous red-coded levels of PM2.5 shrouded most northern provinces of Thailand today, with Chiang Mai earning the unenviable title of the city with the most severe air contamination globally. The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) disclosed today, April 4, at 8am that 14 provinces were grappling with red (highly detrimental) levels of particulate matter 2.5 micrometres and…
- Thailand News
Video footage shows sewage spill on Jomtien Beach
Authorities sprang into action after a video showing sewage gushing into the sea at Soi 8, Jomtien Beach surfaced on Wednesday. Mayor Poramet Ngampichet hailed the quick response, revealing yesterday that the once-polluted waters had returned to their pristine state, much to the delight of beach enthusiasts. Mayor Poramet lauded the swift reaction to the crisis, highlighting Pattaya City officials’…
- Thailand News
Pollution plagues Pattaya’s Na Kluea Canal
Pattaya City is under scrutiny as officials launch an investigation into the polluted waters of the Na Kluea Canal, following complaints from residents. Reports flooded in, accompanied by damning video evidence, revealing a grim reality of garbage-strewn waters and lifeless fish floating on the surface. Allegations point fingers at industrial estates in the vicinity, accused of negligently allowing toxic substances…
- Thailand News
Bamboo barges battle plastic pollution in Bangkok
To tackle Thailand’s plastic pollution crisis, a pioneering project has been launched on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. Black flies scattered as plastic waste cascaded from bamboo conveyor belts onto solar-powered barges, marking a significant step towards cleaner waters. Dubbed the “interceptor,” this innovative boat-like structure, trailing a floating barrier, utilises the river’s currents to guide plastic debris into…
- Thailand News
Chiang Rai hits highest air pollution levels in Thailand
Air pollution has reached critical levels in the northern and northeastern regions of Thailand, with 36 provinces reporting particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations exceeding the safe standard, according to a recent report from the Air Pollution Control Department (APCD) under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The province of Chiang Rai recorded the highest levels in the country. Over the…
- Health
Thailand’s revolutionary fight against air pollution
In Thailand, the battle against air pollution is taking a high-tech turn, thanks to innovative solutions like Bosch’s air quality monitoring box. With air pollution posing significant health and environmental risks, it’s reassuring to see technology offering cleaner air solutions. This innovation is a beacon of hope and a testament to Thailand’s commitment to improving life quality. Current air pollution…
- Thailand News
Chiang Mai tops world’s most polluted cities
Chiang Mai province in northern Thailand has been blanketed by worsening haze, catapulting it to the top of the list of the world’s ten most polluted cities. The thick smog is a direct consequence of forest fires that have been burning unabated for approximately two weeks. The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) detected 1,420 hotspots on Monday alone.…
- Thailand News
Pollution turns Nonthaburi canal water pink
Reports revealed strange pink canal water in Nonthaburi on Valentine’s Day last week as scientists scrambled to uncover the truth behind the sudden rosy hue. Experts from the Department of Science Service (DSS) embarked on an investigation uncovering startling findings that could change the way we see pollution. The case, discovered in Khlong Bang Phraek near the Big C department store…
- Thailand News
Bangkok battles severe PM2.5 pollution, health warnings issued
Bangkok and several provinces across Thailand are currently grappling with dangerously high levels of PM2.5 particulate matter, exceeding standard pollution values and posing a significant health risk. Bangkok’s Phra Khanong district recorded the highest levels, urging the public to wear masks outdoors at all times for protection. The situation monitored hourly, is a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Higher…
- Thailand News
Central Thailand: Residents demand urgent action as lead pollution threatens Klity Creek
Long-suffering residents of Klity Creek in Thong Pha Phum district are reaching their breaking point as they intensify their fight against lead pollution. Petitioning the Pollution Control Department (PCD), these fed-up villagers demand action to eradicate the lingering toxic sediment, amounting to a staggering 800,000 tonnes, still plaguing their community. The apparent failure of the PCD’s much-hyped rehabilitation programme has…
- Thailand News
Thailand and Cambodia join forces to tackle transboundary haze pollution
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday unveiled plans to form a joint task force with Cambodia to combat transboundary haze pollution. The decision was made ahead of a scheduled meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet set to take place in Thailand on February 7. The leaders will undertake a joint study tour to Sa Kaeo province, an area severely impacted…
- Thailand News
Thailand grapples with severe PM2.5 dust pollution impacting 53 provinces
The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) reported this morning that 53 provinces across Thailand grapple with detrimental health impacts due to PM2.5 dust pollution. Don Mueang district in Bangkok is suffering the most, registering the highest levels of this harmful particulate matter. According to GISTDA’s report from yesterday, there were 310 heat spots detected throughout the country by…
- Thailand News
Fine dust pollution spikes across Thailand, Bangkok plans tree-planting pilot
Intensified fine dust pollution has led to heightened levels of fine particulate matter under 2.5 microns, known as PM2.5, in 30 provinces across Thailand, including Bangkok. This development was recorded yesterday through the satellite-based Check Foon application, developed by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA). Samut Songkhram experienced the highest dust level, peaking at 84.1 microgrammes per cubic…
- Business News
Plastic predicament: Thailand faces a ton(ne) of trouble with a 62% surge in waste
Plastic waste in Thailand has witnessed a surge of 62%, escalating from 2.12 million tonnes in 2019 to 3.4 million tonnes in 2020, according to the Thailand Environment Institute. This increase has been largely attributed to lifestyle changes induced by the pandemic, such as an increased reliance on food delivery services. The Prayut Chan-o-cha government initiated a policy in 2018…
