Extreme heatwaves in South and Southeast Asia are a sign of things to come
Since April, wide areas of South and Southeast Asia, from Pakistan to the Philippines, have experienced prolonged extreme heat. Covering some of the most densely populated regions in the world, the series of heatwaves has affected everything from human health and well-being to the economy and education.
Many pupils in India, Bangladesh, and Philippines have been told to stay at home for days due to a severe health risk from extreme heat, while the heatwaves are becoming a major issue in India’s election. Bangladesh even closed all primary schools for weeks while the temperature reached 43.8°C on April 30. Continued …
At Thailand dive expo, fears for coral’s future
Jakkapat Yodnil calls out to visitors at a diving expo in Bangkok, eager to share details of his shop’s expeditions to the azure waters around the Thai island of Koh Tao.
But behind the friendly sales pitch, the 25-year-old fears that bleaching affecting much of the world’s coral this year threatens his livelihood and the marine world he loves. It’s a worry that ripples through the Thai Dive Expo, a major annual event for regional dive operators. Continued …
The arduous battle to sustain life along Southeast Asia’s longest river
Bean sprout farmer Orapin Waotikon describes life along the Mekong River as “throwing the dice”. At the crack of dawn every day, the 56-year-old woman heads to the river bank in Thailand’s northernmost province of Chiang Rai to water the sprouts that she plants in containers laid out on the sand.
She keeps tabs on the river’s water level through social media channels, especially those of local conservation networks, which share near real-time information in her district of Chiang Khong. Continued …
From smog to serenity: Bangkok’s Benjakitti Park breathes new life
Bangkok, former home to a sprawling industrial estate, where Thailand’s state-owned tobacco monopoly churned out millions of cigarettes for over half a century, emerges from the smog. Benjakitti Park, an urban oasis, has rapidly become a beloved haven for Bangkok’s 11 million residents.
Officially opened in August 2022 to honor Queen Sirikit’s 90th birthday, the now 40-hectare Benjakitti Park boasts a 1.6-kilometer elevated walkway known as the Skywalk, water-purifying wetlands, 8,000 new trees, sports courts, and a dog-walking zone. Continued …
Dow and SCGC Partner to Convert Plastic Waste into Circular Products
Dow and Bangkok’s SCG Chemicals (SCGC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for a circularity partnership in the Asia-Pacific region. Their goal is to convert 200KTA of plastic waste into circular products by 2030.
The partners aim to expedite technology advancements throughout the value chain, facilitating recycling via both mechanical recycling (MR) and advanced recycling (AR). Their objective is to transform a wider spectrum of plastic waste into high-value applications. Continued …
Public Health Ministry launches new smart energy initiative
In a bid to combat global warming, the Public Health Ministry has launched a Smart Energy and Climate Action (SECA) policy, under which state agencies will install solar power generation systems.
Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, the ministry’s permanent secretary, said that global warming poses significant health risks, including illnesses from extreme heat, the spread of infectious diseases and severe weather conditions. Hence, he said, the ministry has devised the SECA policy. Continued …
Super Energy looks for renewable power partners
Super Energy Corp., one of Thailand’s largest operators of solar farms, is restructuring its business and forming new partnerships to expand its renewable power plants throughout Southeast Asia.
The restructuring plan is to run in parallel with development plans for new solar, wind, waste-to-energy and hydroelectric power plants, said Jomsup Lochaya, chief executive of Super Energy. Continued …
B.Grimm Power diversifying into data centers
B.Grimm Power (BGRIM), a developer and operator of small power producer (SPP) plants, is preparing to diversify into the data center business.
The company is talking with a handful of firms about partnerships that could involve supplying up to 300 megawatts of electricity generated with fuels from renewable resources, according to Nopadej Karnasuta, senior executive vice-president for investment, innovation and sustainability. Continued …
Thailand and Italy to strengthen ties in renewable energy
Thailand and Italy will intensify cooperation in renewable energy, sports tourism, medical science, pharmaceuticals, and defende, according to deputy government spokesperson Radklao Intawong Suwankiri.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and his Italian counterpart, Giorgia Meloni, will discuss these topics to bolster bilateral ties during the premier’s official five-day visit to Italy, which started Friday. Continued …
AP Thailand and TOA Partner for Sustainable Real Estate
AP Thailand Public Co., a leader in Thailand’s property-development industry, is partnering with TOA Paint (Thailand) Public Co., a supplier of building paint and construction materials, to deliver environmental sustainable goals in their businesses.
Under the partnership, AP has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 1,012.88 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, which equals planting 588,880 trees, as both parties work together to reach the goal of net zero by the year 2050. Continued …
Chinese automakers unveil vision for Thailand EV hub
Leading Chinese automakers unveiled their vision to transform Thailand into a global electrical vehicle (EV) manufacturing hub at an event hosted by the Board of Investment (BOI) on Friday.
The “BOI Symposium: EV Supply Chain Edition” marked the first time that all seven Chinese EV giants – BYD, MG, Great Wall Motor, NETA, Changan, GAC Aion, and Omoda & Jaecoo – have come together to showcase their blueprint for the Thai EV industry. Continued …
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