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 What do you need before moving from the US to Thailand?
The Thaiger key takeaways The most common medical emergencies for expats in Thailand include motorcycle accidents, tropical diseases, and food or water-borne illnesses. Air pollution and heat-related conditions like heatstroke also pose serious seasonal health risks, especially in northern and...
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Bang Saen Beach turns black, vendors fear tourist drop
Seawater at a popular beach in eastern Thailand turned black, raising concerns among visitors and vendors about health risks and a drop in tourism. Seawater along Bang Saen Beach in Chon Buri has taken on a strange black hue, believed to be caused by a plankton bloom triggered by recent storms and rainfall. While there’s no unpleasant odour or danger…
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Officials raid Chon Buri plant over foul stench complaints
Officials inspected a recycling plant in Chon Buri after residents complained about foul odours, uncovering waste violations and environmental concerns. The inspection, carried out on November 5, was led by Ploylapas Singtothong, adviser to the industry minister, as part of the “Full Throttle” mobile inspection campaign. The facility, located in Bo Kwang Thong subdistrict, handles industrial waste processes including sorting,…
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Bangkok hauls in 390k krathongs after quieter festival night
City Hall workers in Bangkok collected over 390,000 krathong floats after the Loy Krathong Festival, marking a notable drop from the previous year’s total. Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) officials collected a total of 391,027 krathong floats from canals, rivers and lakes across the capital following last night’s (November 5) Loy Krathong festival, a 24% drop compared to the same event…
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DHL powers up Thailand’s first solar-run logistics hub
Thailand has taken a major step toward green logistics as DHL opened its first fully solar-powered facility, aiming to boost sustainable trade in Southeast Asia. The new Bangna Sustainable Logistics Centre, launched by DHL Supply Chain Thailand, is the logistics giant’s first global facility powered entirely by on-site solar energy. Backed by a 1.39 billion baht investment, the site showcases…
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Bangkok ramps up safety checks ahead of Loy Krathong Festival
Bangkok’s governor has ordered safety checks at piers across the city ahead of Loy Krathong, urging residents to use eco-friendly floats for the festival. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has ordered safety inspections at all piers and floating platforms across the capital ahead of this year’s Loy Krathong Festival on November 5. The move is aimed at ensuring public safety and…
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Thai House passes Clean Air Bill in sweeping 308–0 vote
Thailand’s House of Representatives has unanimously passed a new Clean Air Bill, aiming to crack down on pollution and protect public health nationwide. All 308 MPs present, from both coalition and opposition parties, voted in favour after three days of heated debate. The bill, which passed its third reading yesterday, October 21, will now move to the Senate for further…
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Thailand tourists face 100k fine for toxic sunscreen on reefs
Thailand has warned tourists that using banned sunscreens in marine parks could lead to fines, as officials crack down on products harmful to coral reefs. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has issued a strict warning to tourists: using certain sunscreens in Thailand’s marine parks could see you slapped with a fine of up to 100,000…
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Water woes: Phuket MP calls for urgent fix as crisis worsens
Phuket MP Chalermpong Sangdee has called on the government to urgently tackle the island’s chronic water shortage, warning that the issue could spiral out of control during the upcoming High Season if action isn’t taken immediately. Speaking in Parliament, Chalermpong, who represents Phuket District 2, said water demand has surged due to a booming tourism industry and a population now…
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Dugong numbers plummet as seagrass vanishes in Andaman
Conservationists in Thailand are working to restore seagrass beds in the Andaman Sea after dugong numbers dropped sharply due to food loss and habitat damage. The Thai Coral Reef and Marine Life Conservation Foundation has launched a renewed campaign to restore seagrass beds in the Andaman Sea, after recent drone surveys revealed a drastic decline in dugong numbers, from 248…
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Baby turtles make a break for it on Koh Thalu Beach
Over 100 endangered hawksbill sea turtles hatched on a beach at Koh Thalu Beach in Prachuap Khiri Khan’s Bang Saphan Noi district, marking a significant win for marine conservation efforts. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) confirmed that 101 hatchlings were born, following 65 days of careful monitoring by rangers and marine conservation teams. The eggs…
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Thailand bets big on solar to fast-track net-zero goal
The Energy Ministry has unveiled an ambitious 720-billion-baht investment drive to accelerate Thailand’s transition to clean energy, aiming to hit net-zero emissions by 2050, 15 years ahead of its previous target. Part of the government’s Quick Big Win campaign, the initiative prioritises solar power, carbon capture storage (CCS), and economic revitalisation. Energy Minister Auttapol Rerkpiboon said that the campaign will…
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Crocodile scare grips Nakhon Sawan after flood alert issued
Terrified locals have been put on red alert after officials warned that crocodiles could be lurking in floodwaters across Nakhon Sawan province. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Thaiger (@thethaigerofficial) The Nakhon Sawan Provincial Fisheries Office issued the warning as parts of the province continue to suffer from heavy flooding and waterlogging this year.…
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Thailand climbs climate ranks but flunks on clean energy
Thailand was ranked 24th in a global climate index, receiving praise for emissions control but criticism for its weak renewable energy efforts and policies. The ranking highlights a high score for Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, a medium score for energy use, but a disappointing low score for renewable energy adoption and a low score for climate policy. To further align…
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Bangkok cracks down with new fees for unsorted household waste
Bangkok has introduced higher waste collection fees, penalising households that fail to sort rubbish while rewarding those who properly separate their trash. From today, October 1, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will increase the waste collection fee from 20 baht to 60 baht per month. However, households that join the This House Doesn’t Mix waste separation scheme will still pay…
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Hooked turtle rescued in Phuket as another dies from net injury
Marine officers in Phuket rescued an injured sea turtle found with a fishhook in its mouth, while another died after being entangled in a discarded net. At around 6.45pm yesterday, September 24, Cherng Talay Police received a report of a stranded turtle near Leypang Beach. Police Lieutenant Suwarin Mueat Muang, a patrol officer from Layan, was dispatched to the scene,…
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Thai youth shaping a greener future through innovation through the project Wonder Lab: Youth for a Greener Tomorrow
Sustainability is one of those topics that can feel abstract until you see it in action. In Thailand, a group of young people recently showed that tackling environmental challenges does not always require big budgets or government programmes. Sometimes, it starts with students, a few bold ideas, and a platform that believes in their potential. That platform was Wonder Lab:…
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Patong lifeguards warn as venomous bluebottles wash up
Lifeguards at Patong Beach have issued a warning after venomous Portuguese man o’ war jellyfish washed ashore, urging tourists to stay cautious in the water. Lifeguards raised the alarm after several of the creatures were found along the sand. Patong Surf Life Saving urged beachgoers not to touch or play with them, stressing that anyone stung should immediately seek assistance…
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Monkey madness: Hundreds escape cages and run riot in Lopburi
Chaos erupted in Lopburi when hundreds of monkeys broke free from a shelter, invading homes, ransacking cars, and even storming a police station. Residents of Lopburi faced a wild spectacle today, September 16, as more than 100 monkeys escaped from the Pho Kao Ton Monkey Shelter in Mueang district. The mass breakout sparked panic in the area, with troops of…
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Rocks removed from Pattaya’s hidden beach over safety fears
A beach cleanup was launched in Pattaya after rocks scattered along the shoreline raised safety concerns for tourists visiting the popular coastal spot. At 10am on Monday, September 8, Pattaya’s mayor led an urgent cleanup operation to protect beachgoers at one of the city’s most scenic stretches. The rocky hazards, reported by locals, had been putting tourists at risk while…
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Hua Hin scoops clean air award at ASEAN environment summit
Hua Hin has been recognised for its clean air efforts, receiving the prestigious Clean Air for Small Cities award at the ASEAN level. The accolade puts the city on the map alongside Nakhon Si Thammarat and Pak Kret, both of which also received top environmental recognitions. Atichat Chaisri, Deputy Mayor of Prachuap Khiri Khan, attended the 18th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting…
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Thailand warned clean energy gap could deter data centre boom
Thailand’s digital dreams could stall as investors warn the nation’s patchy clean energy supply risks scaring off billion-baht data centre projects. Thailand risks losing out on major digital economy investments unless it strengthens its clean energy supply, according to Gunkul Engineering, a leading renewable energy developer. Chief executive Naruechon Dhumrongpiyawut said that data centres, artificial intelligence firms, electric vehicles, and…
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AI and satellites join fight against Thailand’s toxic dust
Thailand is turning to artificial intelligence and satellites in a high-tech push to predict and tackle deadly PM2.5 smog before it chokes the nation. The Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR), the Pollution Control Department (PCD) and satellite operator Thaicom have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to create an AI-driven platform for managing fine dust pollution. The…
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Bangkok pushes waste reform with no mixed waste drive
Bangkok officials announced a new waste management campaign, where households will be encouraged to separate rubbish as part of reforms aimed at changing public behaviour and improving citywide sustainability. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is preparing to roll out sweeping waste management reforms on October 1, with its No Mixed Waste initiative already attracting more than 239,000 households. The programme…
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Thailand aims for top 100 green tourism status by 2030
Thailand is stepping up its eco-game with the launch of the Thailand Green Tourism Plan 2030, aiming to position the nation’s destinations among the world’s top 100 sustainable tourism hotspots by 2030. The plan, themed Igniting the Path to Global Green Success, was announced by the Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. The goal is clear:…
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Pattaya ramps up canal cleanup to boost eco-tourism future
Pattaya’s historic canals are getting a facelift, with city leaders calling on residents to join the fight against pollution and preserve eco-tourism. Yesterday, August 27, Pattaya City launched the second phase of its canal conservation project, targeting the Nok Yang and Naklua canals along with surrounding areas. The initiative aims to protect the waterways from pollution and urban encroachment while…
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Chiang Mai goose squad flops in moat cleanup stunt
Chiang Mai’s bold plan to clean its polluted moat with a flock of geese is ruffling feathers. What was meant to be a natural solution to green algae and water pollution has turned into a feathery fiasco, complete with photo-happy tourists, escaped birds, and zero results. Since August 21, Chiang Mai Municipality has been trialling a flock of 10 geese…
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Beach alert: Deadly blue dragons invade Phuket shore
Beachgoers in Phuket are being warned to steer clear of venomous blue dragons after the toxic sea slugs washed up on Karon Beach. Local officials sounded the alarm after several sightings of blue dragon sea slugs (Glaucilla sp) were reported following recent rainfall. The creatures, though small and visually striking with their electric-blue appearance, pose a serious health risk to swimmers.…
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Pattaya locals turn trash into treasure in DIY workshop
Forget the bin, Pattaya residents are turning garbage into gold thanks to a DIY upcycling workshop that’s sweeping the community. Nongprue Municipality, located in East Pattaya, hosted a creative Upcycling Waste workshop under its Happy Health Centre initiative this week, training locals to turn discarded plastic into useful household items. Led by Deputy Mayor Wanchai Saeng-ngam, the event welcomed more…
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Bangkok’s ‘green lung’ boosted by Thai-Norwegian push
Bangkok’s “green lung” is breathing easier thanks to Bangchak Corporation’s bold reforestation push, now earning praise from the Thai-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce (TNCC). The chamber, which counts Bangchak as a premium member, has put the energy giant’s environmental mission in the spotlight as it drives sustainability and biodiversity work in Bang Kachao, Samut Prakan province. Bangchak, led by Senior Executive…
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Pattaya cement scandal: Contractor fined for drain dump
When it comes to environmental blunders, few things anger Pattaya residents more than contractors treating the city’s drains like a rubbish tip. That frustration boiled over this week when municipal officers caught a contractor red-handed pouring cement wastewater directly into a public drain on Pattaya Beach Soi 4. The man was hauled into City Hall and slapped with a 2,000…
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