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Climate change: Land reclamation for urban development/Sustainability: ‘Sustainable Tourism’ A New Era of Travel/Thailand scores low/Rayong sets example/Sustainability Expo aims to raise awareness/Energy: Hydro power plants in development/Financing Southeast Asia’s energy transition/Solar-Powered Success/Police station adopts solar power/ASEAN Solar PV & Energy Storage Expo/Air: Bangkok joins Breathe Cities/Recycling: Koh Lanta’s war on waste/Electric vehicles: ASEAN New Energy Vehicle Market/To power commercial real estate/Hong Kong Firm Introduces Electric Bikes/Eco-tourism: Thailand a top eco-tourism destination/Wildlife: Stricter Wildlife Protection Rules/Hornbill conservation faces uncertain future/
Land reclamation for urban development explained
Thailand has recently proposed a project to reclaim land in Bang Khun Thian to create a new city and address flooding issues, as the escalating effects of global warming may cause sea levels in the Gulf of Thailand to rise by 5-6 meters, potentially flooding large areas in central Thailand.
The concept involves creating islands stretching from Samut Songkhram to Chonburi, planned as the “Pearl Necklace of the Gulf of Thailand”, where interconnected islands will form a path resembling a string of pearls, with water gates to control sea levels. Continued …
‘Sustainable Tourism’ A New Era of Travel Prioritizing Sustainability
Although expansion in the global tourism industry has been a significant driver of economic growth, this has come at the cost of negative consequences for th environment and local communities. As a result, interest in sustainable tourism, which aims to reduce the social and environmental impacts of the industry, while also generating economic benefits for all stakeholders, has been rising worldwide, driven by consumers’ growing environmental concerns and the setting of official net zero goals.
Within the Thai context, growth has been helped by the development of local sustainable tourism models, moves to encourage businesses to “measure-reduce-offset” their carbon emissions, and support for the adoption of sustainability standards. Nevertheless, although businesses active within the tourism sector (hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, etc.) are being presented with the opportunity to expand into new, environmentally conscious market segments, this will impose the need to adopt much more stringent environmental and social standards. Continued …
Thailand scores low on environmental preservation index
Thailand’s potential for environmental preservation fell from 87th to 91st this year, according to the recent Environmental Performance Index (EPI).
The report, which surveyed 180 countries and territories, was published by Yale University’s Center for Environmental Law & Policy and Columbia University’s Center for International Earth Science Information Network. Continued …
Rayong sets example in eco-industrial urban development
Thailand’s Department of Climate Change and Environmental Affairs (DCCE) has highlighted Rayong as a model for eco-industrial urban development, improving the environment and quality of life as the world faces climate challenges.
DCCE Director-General Pirun Saiyasitpanich noted the environmental issues in Thailand stem from human actions, including excessive resource use, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. Addressing these challenges requires the cooperation of all sectors. The department, particularly local administrative organizations (LAOs) and the Environmental Volunteer Network (EVN) has been actively working on solutions to achieve national goals effectively. Continued …
Sustainability Expo aims to raise awareness, inspire immediate action
In the face of multiple challenges posed by escalating climate crises, the 5th edition of Sustainability Expo 2024 (SX2024) is being taken to the next level, cementing its position as ASEAN’s largest sustainability trade show, the organizer told a press conference on Thursday.
Scheduled from Sept. 27 to Oct. 6 at Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, the expo will operate under the theme “Good Balance, Better World”. The event aims to raise awareness and promote immediate action on climate change through a variety of activities, said Tongjai Thanachanan, director of the SX Organizing Committee. Continued …
Top five hydro power plants in development in Thailand
Hydro capacity accounted for 15.4% of total power plant installations globally in 2023, according to GlobalData, with total recorded hydro capacity of 1,407GW. This is expected to contribute 10.9% by the end of 2030, with capacity of installations aggregating up to 1,562GW.
Of the total global hydro capacity, 0.29% is in Thailand. Listed below are the five largest upcoming hydro power plants by capacity in Thailand, according to GlobalData’s power plants database. Continued …
Financing Southeast Asia’s energy transition
Electrification is the readily available alternative to the burning of fossil fuels to power our cars, buses and boilers. The emissions associated with producing that electricity will matter greatly. Southeast Asia’s economic dynamism has analysts projecting the region’s annual energy consumption could triple over the three decades to 2050.
Renewable energy is now the cleanest and most cost-effective way to meet this relentless demand. By decoupling economic growth from carbon emissions, ASEAN will follow the path established in developed economies like the United States, where GDP has more than doubled since 1990 even as emissions have fallen. Continued …
Solar-Powered Success: Thai Farmer’s Organic Rice Finds International Markets
A female farmer from Nakhon Phanom in northeastern Thailand has learned innovative methods to add value to rice in order to increase her income, and has transformed herself into a rice-processing entrepreneur with solar-drying systems.
Nim-Anong Kaewpaisan, the founder of Phetpaisankamkhun Co, started with a piece of family farmland used for rice cultivation. However, selling paddy rice to middlemen did not provide sufficient income for a sustainable livelihood. She then decided to return to her roots and look for ways to increase the income from rice cultivation. Continued …
East Pattaya police station adopts solar power
Nong Yai Police Station in East Pattaya implemented a solar power system to reduce electricity consumption and promote sustainability. The new setup includes a 12kW Deye Hybrid Inverter, 28 solar panels, and two lithium phosphate batteries.
Station chief Col. Krit Masuk said, “This initiative helps us cut energy costs while contributing to environmental protection.” The station’s 24/7 operations now rely on solar power, reducing dependence on traditional electricity sources. Continued …
ASEAN (Bangkok) Solar PV & Energy Storage Expo 2025
The ASEAN Solar PV & Energy Storage Expo 2025 will be held on March 5-7 in Bangkok.
This event brings together industry professionals, experts, and leaders from across the globe to explore the latest advancements and opportunities in the solar photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage sector. With a focus on sustainable development and renewable energy, the expo provides a platform for networking, learning, and showcasing innovative solutions. Continued …
Bangkok joins Breathe Cities initiative to cut air pollution
Bangkok has become the 12th city to join the Breathe Cities initiative, a global network dedicated to improving air quality. The Thai capital is aiming to reduce air pollution by up to 30% by 2030, and through the partnership will receive support for gathering air quality data, capacity-building and community engagement.
In 2023, 10 million people in Thailand sought treatment for pollution-related illnesses and Bangkok endured some of the worst impacts of poor air quality in the country, with over 5,000 premature deaths. Pollution was also blamed for economic losses in the country’s tourism industry. Continued …
Koh Lanta’s war on waste hailed as breakthrough for green tourism
A groundbreaking community waste-management program on the island of Koh Lanta in Krabi province is being hailed as a game-changer in the fight against environmental damage caused by overtourism in Thailand.
Launched by the Thailand Environment Institute (TEI) in 2021, the initiative is setting a new standard for sustainable tourism and preserving the island’s natural beauty for generations to come. Continued …
Outlook on ASEAN New Energy Vehicle Market
Great Wall Motor (Thailand), one of the leaders in the new energy vehicle industry, showcased its vision at the 2nd International NEV Summit 2024.
Charnsak Laicharoenchokchai, product strategy director, Great Wall Motor (Thailand), delivered a presentation on the topic “Insights into the NEVs Market in Southeast Asia,” highlighting the movements in the new energy vehicle industry by reflecting on both past and future developments. Continued …
Thailand’s electric vehicle industry to power commercial real estate
Thailand is well positioned to become Southeast Asia’s leading market for electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing and innovation, which will have implications for the country’s commercial real estate industry.
According to JLL, the potential for sustained growth in Thailand’s EV industry, backed by government policies and foreign investment, will create a real estate market of least $6.5 billion (THB220 billion) by 2030, to support the country’s emergence as a regional manufacturing and innovation leader in the space. Continued …
Hong Kong Firm Introduces Electric Bikes to the Thai Market
Hong Kong’s Yadea, a leading electric two-wheeler brand, officially opened three flagship stores in Thailand on Friday, marking the company’s entry into the Thai electric two-wheeler market.
Since its establishment in 2001, Yadea has been a global leader in smart emobility solutions for medium and short-distance travel. The company is dedicated to the research, production, sales, and service of electric motorcycles, electric bicycles, and even energy supply, including Yadea TTFAR graphene batteries and sodium-ion batteries. Continued …
Thailand a top eco-tourism destination for environmentally conscious travelers
As the world becomes more aware of the impacts of climate change, more and more travelers are seeking experiences that align with their values of sustainability and environmental conservation. In recent years, Thailand has emerged as the number one destination for eco-tourism, attracting visitors from around the world looking for meaningful and responsible travel experiences.
(Editor: Sorry, but taking a fuel-guzzling jet 10,000 miles so you can take a hike is not saving the environment.)
As ecotourism grows and travelers make more conscious decisions about their environmental impact, Thailand is accelerating its sustainable tourism efforts to become a leading destination for green travel. From preserving natural habitats to supporting local communities, Thailand is showing the world that tourism and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. Continued …
Khao Yai National Park Enforces Stricter Wildlife Protection Rules
Chaiya Huaihongthong, the chief of Khao Yai National Park, announced the implementation of new stringent measures to preserve the park’s delicate ecosystem. Situated in the Pak Chong district, Nakhon Ratchasima, the park will now have inspection points on Thanarat Road to monitor exhaust noise and vehicle speeds.
These initiatives come in response to rising concerns over PM 2.5 dust pollution and the need to maintain the park’s pristine air quality. Continued …
Successful Thai community-based hornbill conservation faces uncertain future
Budo-Sungai Padi National Park is a swath of dense tropical rainforest a fifth the size of Bangkok that lies along southern Thailand’s isthmus linking the country to Peninsular Malaysia. Its rugged peaks and lush valleys cut through Narathiwat, Yala and Pattani provinces — an area facing rising political unrest, unpredictable weather, and escalating wildlife poaching.
Despite the environmental and social challenges, conservationists and communities have collaborated over the past three decades to revitalize populations of hornbills in and around the 34,100-hectare (84,300-acre) national park. Continued …