Environment News
Discover the latest Environment News in Thailand, providing comprehensive coverage on environmental issues, climate change solutions, and natural disasters in Thailand and the world. We bring compelling stories, investigate eco-friendly initiatives, and bring you closer to the rapidly evolving green landscape. Stay informed about Thailand’s efforts towards sustainable living, biodiversity conversation, and renewable energy promotion to better understand the world’s ecological challenges.
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Do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?
Thailand’s healthcare system is well-regarded across Southeast Asia, with options ranging from public hospitals to world-class private facilities. But when it comes to foreign residents or tourists, healthcare access isn’t as straightforward. So, do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?...
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Sacks found in Phatthalung canal are decomposed pork, not bodies
The mysterious discovery of two bloated sacks floating in a canal triggered a rapid response from the rescue services in Phatthalung province. Residents reported a strong stench emanating from the canal near Apai Borirak Road, leading to fears that the sacks might contain bodies. Rescue personnel arrived swiftly to investigate, only to find a surprising revelation. “The smell was unbearable,…
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Thailand’s power plan may see revisions for climate goals
Thailand’s 2024 power development plan (PDP) may undergo significant revisions to enhance the management of the nation’s long-term energy supply and bolster efforts against global warming. This was suggested by Energy Ministry Permanent Secretary Prasert Sinsukprasertas after he highlighted the need for adaptation in response to evolving energy concerns. The Energy Policy and Planning Office is currently evaluating the PDP. Once…
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Bangkok’s air pollution costs 400 billion baht annually
Bangkok is grappling with significant economic repercussions due to persistent air pollution, particularly from fine particulate matter known as PM2.5, leading to annual losses exceeding 400 billion baht. The revelation emerged during a seminar organised by the National Health Commission Office in conjunction with the 17th National Health Assembly, where the financial toll of pollution was a focal point of…
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Rain havoc: Four southern provinces swamped by floods (video)
Four southern Thai provinces are battling major flooding after a deluge that’s thrown daily life into chaos and knocked out key transport links, leaving thousands of families high and dry. Chumphon, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Ranong, and Surat Thani are bearing the brunt of relentless rain, with deluges forcing a halt to many bus and train services. Pasakorn Boonyalak, Director General…
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Thailand floods claim lives, deforestation and dams blamed
Flooding has wreaked havoc across Thailand this year, claiming more than 50 lives in the north and at least 25 in the south. While climate change plays a role, Pianporn Deetes, Southeast Asia Programme Director for the NGO International Rivers, attributes specific man-made causes to the disaster. Pianporn identified deforestation, dams, and river encroachment as three main factors exacerbating the…
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Thailand pushes alternative crops to curb agricultural burning
Thailand is taking significant steps to empower farmers in addressing the persistent issue of agricultural burning, which contributes to PM2.5 dust pollution, particularly in lowland areas. By encouraging the cultivation of high-value alternative crops, the country aims to mitigate the detrimental environmental impact and enhance the sustainability of the agricultural sector. The Ministry of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, alongside international…
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Man-made moves make Thailand flood the news, says expert (video)
Pianporn “Pai” Deetes, Southeast Asia Programme Director for International Rivers, has pointed the finger of blame at human actions as major culprits of the floods that have unleashed chaos across Thailand this year. The tragic toll includes over 50 deaths in the north of Thailand earlier this year and more than 25 recently in the south of the country. Pianporn…
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Thai Cabinet approves 5 billion baht flood aid for 16 provinces
The Thai Cabinet has sanctioned a budget of 5 billion baht to aid households in 16 more provinces beset by recent flooding, expanding the scope of assistance previously extended to other affected areas. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced that every flood-impacted household within these 16 provinces, including several in the southern region, will receive a uniform payout of 9,000 baht…
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Rainmaking flights reduce air pollution in Bangkok
The air quality index (AQI) in Bangkok, neighbouring provinces, and certain northern regions has shown improvement following the initial efforts of rainmaking flights conducted by the Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation (DRRAA). The initiative aimed to address the high levels of PM2.5 fine particulate matter affecting the region. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Itthi Sirilathayakorn, announced that…
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Thailand faces worsening air quality crisis, health warnings issued
Thailand’s air quality has significantly deteriorated, with 20 provinces reporting pollution levels exceeding health standards. The most severe pollution is found in Pak Kret, with Bangkok also experiencing widespread poor air quality. The air quality is expected to worsen between tomorrow and December 7, prompting health advisories for residents to limit outdoor activities and wear masks. The Air Pollution Solution…
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3D-printed corals spark underwater hope at Koh Racha Yai
In a cutting-edge bid to revive the coral reefs around Koh Racha Yai, south of Phuket, the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) is making waves with its annual reef restoration campaign. The initiative unveiled its latest eco-marvel: 3D-printed coral larvae islands on Saturday, November 30, designed to breathe life back into the battered seabeds. The high-profile launch event…
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Bangkok in a chokehold: Smog blankets the city (video)
Bangkok is on high alert this week as residents prepare for a choking blanket of smog set to engulf the city and its surrounding areas. The Pollution Control Department (PCD) sounded the alarm, warning that from today, December 2, until Friday, December 6, a thick haze will shroud the capital, thanks to smoke billowing from nearby farmland and stagnant air…
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Phuket launches initiative to cut food waste by 15 tonnes daily
Phuket has embarked on an ambitious journey to tackle its mounting waste problem by launching a food waste management initiative. This project aims to reduce waste by 15 tonnes daily, positioning the island as a low-carbon destination. Janthima Duangsai, the director of the Environmental and Pollution Control Office at the Pollution Control Department, highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting…
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Songkhla floods wash away bookings in Hat Fai wipeout (video)
Flood chaos in Songkhla and the wider Deep South has left the Malaysian market in tatters, forcing a total wipeout of hotel and tour bookings in Hat Yai for the next two weekends. The relentless downpours have thrown travel plans into disarray, causing a domino effect on local tourism, just as things were heating up. Songchai Mungprasithichai, the head chief…
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Anchors away: RTN leads eco-mission to save Maya Bay
Maya Bay, the jewel of Thailand’s Andaman Sea, is getting a new lease of life thanks to a bold conservation push led by the Royal Thai Navy (RTN). In a grand event on Monday, November 25, Vice Admiral Suwat Donsakul of the RTN Third Area Command spearheaded the installation of mooring and fish egg buoys, alongside a deep-sea garbage collection…
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Thai PM and Energy Minister clash over clean energy vision
Tensions have erupted in Thailand’s government as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga lock horns over the nation’s clean energy future. A disagreement, which has reportedly been simmering for weeks, boiled over yesterday, November 26, leading to the abrupt cancellation of a joint press conference following a National Energy Policy Board meeting. While PM Paetongtarn addressed the…
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Phuket aims for carbon neutrality in Old Town by 2030
Phuket has embarked on an ambitious journey towards sustainable tourism with the introduction of the Phuket Old Town Carbon Neutrality 2030 initiative. This project aims to establish the historic old town as Thailand’s first carbon-neutral area by the year 2030. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, representing Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, officiated the launch of this initiative at the 72nd…
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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…
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Caterpillar outbreak devastates Songkhla’s coconut plantations
A significant outbreak of black-headed caterpillars has severely impacted coconut plantations across four districts in Songkhla, causing extensive damage to the crops. Local agricultural officials are responding by deploying parasitic wasps and chemical agents to combat the infestation. Agricultural experts have reported that the black-headed caterpillar infestation is affecting coconut trees in the Sathing Phra Peninsula and other areas of…
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Sustainable solutions for Thailand’s environmental challenge
Over 100 young people came together for the Green to Go Summit to brainstorm sustainable solutions for Thailand’s imminent environmental challenges. Interactive discussions were held around the topics of low-carbon cities, emerging energy technologies, and debunking plastic recycling myths. Organised by the Green Youth Thailand, the event was held as part of the annual EU Green Diplomacy Weeks in ASEAN…
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FTI fuels the push for a public-private energy plan in Thailand
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) renewed its call for the establishment of a public-private committee on energy management, urging the Thai government to take the proposal seriously in light of potential shifts in America’s energy policy under Donald Trump’s presidency. The FTI’s proposal aims to enhance national energy management and address the complexities arising from global energy dynamics. The…
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Interior ministry allocates 56 million baht for Surat Thani marshland
Thailand’s Ministry of Interior approved a budget of over 56 million baht for the fiscal year 2025 to develop the Khlong Khwai marshland, aiming to create a new green space for the people of Surat Thani province. Kanisini Opasrangsank, a Member of Parliament for Constituency 1 in Surat Thani and Deputy Secretary-General of the United Thai Nation Party, along with…
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Thailand boosts efforts to meet Paris climate goals amid challenges
Thailand is intensifying its efforts to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions as the country’s current actions fall short of the targets set in the 2015 Paris climate agreement. Chalermchai Sri-on, the minister of Natural Resources and Environment, highlighted these concerns during his address at the COP29 climate summit held in Baku, Azerbaijan. Addressing the summit, which is set to…
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Phuket goes green: Old town steps up for carbon-free tourism
Phuket Old Town took centre stage on Monday, November 18, as the Department of Tourism unveiled its bold initiative to promote low-carbon tourism routes, marking a milestone in sustainable travel for the 2024 fiscal year. Local leaders and media gathered for the showcase event in the historic heart of Phuket, which spotlighted eco-friendly travel practices and the charm of the…
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Pattaya revamps park to oust venomous visitors near residence
Residents near Jeh Madi Mansion, close to Soi Sukhumvit 28 and Bangkok Hospital Pattaya, raised the alarm over unwelcome slithery neighbours – venomous creatures lurking a little too close to home. In response, Deputy Mayor Manot Nongyai, flanked by local council members and city officials, launched an emergency renovation project yesterday, November 19, clearing out the public area to improve…
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Banpu strikes a green chord amid energy chaos
While the energy industry faces turbulent times, Thai powerhouse Banpu is staying the course, determined to hit the right note with its ambitious green agenda. Listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), Banpu is full steam ahead in its mission to produce quality energy with a keen focus on environmental care, even as market volatility looms large. Under the…
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Leopard thrills visitors at Phetchaburi national park (video)
A leopard made a striking appearance at the Ban Krang Helipad in Kaeng Krachan National Park, Phetchaburi province, thrilling visitors. Captured in vivid detail by a tourist, this sighting underscores the park’s thriving ecosystem and effective conservation efforts. A clip and photographs of the leopard, shared by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), have drawn significant…
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‘Keep your krathongs on land,’ says Patong Mayor in eco-plea
As Loy Krathong celebrations light up Patong Beach tonight, Patong Municipality is urging revellers to keep their lanterns (krathongs) out of the sea. Every year, thousands descend on the beach, offering decorated krathongs to the water goddess to cast away bad luck and ask for blessings. Yet, while the gestures float away, the krathongs often come back, with the tide…
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Bangkok braces for rising pollution as air quality worsens
Bangkok’s air quality has significantly deteriorated, with 28 areas submerged in PM2.5 dust particles. Officials issued warnings, anticipating a spike in pollution levels between this Sunday, November 17 and next Tuesday, November 19. Residents are advised to take precautions to protect their health. The Pollution Control Department (PCD) reported on the air quality status in Bangkok and its surrounding areas,…
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