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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The Thaiger key takeaways Peak season brings higher prices, but smart planning and local know-how can help you experience Northern Thailand affordably. Chiang Mai, Pai, and Chiang Rai offer plenty of free or low-cost attractions, from temples and canyons to...
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Arsenic alert in Mekong prompts urgent government action
The People’s Party (PP) has called on the government to address arsenic contamination in the Mekong River caused by foreign mining, urging immediate action. The spread is believed to be caused by foreign mining activities in China, Myanmar, and Laos. Chiang Mai MP and PP deputy spokesperson, Phattarapong Leelaphat, voiced concerns on Facebook, accusing the government of remaining silent despite…
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Rare great hornbill spotted in Chiang Mai after 10 years
A great hornbill was spotted in a Chiang Mai national park, marking the first confirmed sighting in over a decade and signalling improved forest health. Chiang Mai’s Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park is celebrating a major ecological milestone after spotting a great hornbill, also known locally as nok kahang or nok gak, for the first time in over a…
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Bangkok dust levels spike as orange alert hits 3 districts
Bangkok residents are being warned to take precautions as PM2.5 dust levels have reached health risk levels in several districts across the city. Today, November 12, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) reported that while most areas in the capital recorded acceptable air quality, PM2.5 dust levels surged to orange-alert status in three districts, meaning the fine particulate matter is high…
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Amnuay Silpa School celebrates its 100th anniversary with sea turtle conservation and mangrove reforestation in Sattahip
In celebration of its 100th anniversary, Amnuay Silpa School (ANS), in collaboration with the Amnuay Silpa Alumni Association, organised the Sea Turtle Conservation and Mangrove Reforestation activity on Saturday, November 8, in Sattahip District, Chonburi Province. The initiative reflected the school’s long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement. The event brought together parents, students, teachers, and alumni who actively…
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Energy minister pushes ahead with hydrogen and nuclear strategy
Thailand’s Energy Minister Auttapol Rerkpiboon says he will pursue long-term clean energy projects, including hydrogen and nuclear development, despite the limited time under the current government’s term. Speaking yesterday, November 9, Auttapol said he aims to lay the groundwork for initiatives that may not be completed before the administration steps down. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has pledged to dissolve Parliament…
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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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Pattaya cracks down on sea lanterns for Loy Krathong Festival
Pattaya officials have urged locals and tourists to avoid floating lanterns (krathongs) in the sea during the Loy Krathong Festival to protect marine life and public safety. As the annual Loy Krathong Festival approaches tomorrow, November 5, the City of Pattaya, in cooperation with local administrative organisations in Bang Lamung district, is rolling out safety and environmental campaigns to ensure a more…
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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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Rare moon moth spotted at Kaeng Krachan National Park
A rarely seen species of moth was discovered by a park officer at a popular campsite in a national park in Phetchaburi, drawing interest from conservationists. The moth was discovered near the campsite area of Panoen Thung in Kaeng Krachan National Park, Phetchaburi province. Park officer Nattaphon Ritnoi reported the sighting, which was confirmed by park chief Atthapong Pao-on, who said…
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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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EGAT keeps dams and power supply steady amid heavy rains
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) is tightening its monitoring of water levels in major dams and ensuring a stable electricity supply as heavy rainfall continues to lash northern, northeastern, and central Thailand. Assistant Governor for Renewable Energy Generation, Chawalit Kankam, said EGAT is following weather forecasts from the Meteorological Department, which predicts moderate to heavy rainfall across several…
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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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Phuket plans wind power hub and eco-tourism at Phromthep
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) unveiled plans in Phuket to build new wind turbines at Phromthep Cape, aiming to expand renewable energy and create an eco-tourism and learning hub. The proposal was presented this week at Provincial Hall in a meeting chaired by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat. Attendees included Rawai Mayor Thames Kraitat, officials from the Phuket Provincial…
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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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Whales and dolphins win protection in Thai seas crackdown
The Cabinet has approved the addition of three marine mammals to Thailand’s list of protected wildlife species, aiming to strengthen efforts to safeguard ocean biodiversity. A draft ministerial regulation, endorsed on Thursday, September 4, designates humpback whales, Bryde’s whales, and Risso’s dolphins as protected animals under the Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act 2019. This means hunting, trading, importing, or exporting…
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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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Bangkok Purple Line project probed after dead fish found
Bangkok officials have launched an urgent probe after thousands of fish were found dead in a Thon Buri canal, with the blame falling on the construction of the new Purple Line electric train. Deputy Bangkok governor Wissanu Subsompon led a team of Drainage Department officers and environmental experts to Khlong Samre near Soi Somdet Phra Chao Taksin 21 following alarmed…
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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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