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Southeast Asia said ‘woefully off track’ on green investment

Southeast Asia is “woefully off track” on green investments to reduce emissions and needs new policies and financial mechanisms to help bridge the gap, the global consultancy Bain & Company said.

With energy consumption in the region expected to grow 40% this decade, climate-warming carbon dioxide emissions remain on the rise, with the region still dependent on fossil fuels, said an annual report compiled by Bain, green investment group GenZero and Standard Chartered Bank. Continued … 

Climate Change Can Make Countries Vulnerable to Heat-Related Health Concerns

A report published in Communications Earth and Environment raised concerns about the impacts of rising temperatures on Southeast Asia, causing potential drought and heat-related health concerns. Hotter weather can be unbearable for communities without cooling systems, causing potential health risks.

In Thailand, a recent report noted that the country is expected to celebrate a water festival time amid the record-high temperatures. However, the unusual heat can likely threaten communities, urging them to prepare and avoid prolonged exposure to heat. Continued … 

Rail heralded as future for Thai logistics

Experts have backed rail to transport agricultural products over long distances following a successful trial, which saw a 13-fold lowering of carbon emissions when compared to air freight. It was also cheaper.

The trial was conducted by Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI), which used high-efficiency mobile refrigerated container trains to transport the Royal Project’s fresh merchandise from the north to the south of Thailand. Continued … 

New Marine Research Vessel Delivered to Thailand

Thailand’s Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) has taken delivery of a new state-of-the-art research vessel. Designed by Incat Crowther and built by Thai shipbuilder Seacrest Marine, the 25-meter catamaran will be used by the DMCR to patrol Thailand’s coastal environments and monitor the nation’s fisheries and marine resources.

Based on the Incat Crowther 25 design, the vessel has a range of innovative features and equipment to help its crew monitor and protect sensitive coastal areas, while having minimal impact on the environment. Continued … 

Gargantuan clean up after Songkran festivities

Songkran festivities around Bangkok metropolitan area resulted in 51,000 tons of waste, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) reported on Tuesday. This year’s waste statistics were collected from April 12 to 15, and are higher than the same period last year by about 1,000 tons, said the BMA.

Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt said six water trucks and city officials were deployed to clean up this tourist attraction starting at 4am on Tuesday. He personally visited the cleaning staff on Khao San Road on Tuesday morning to supervise the effort and show support to officials who have been working throughout the holidays. Continued … 

Relocation of cadmium tailings from Bangkok commences May 7

The logistics of relocating cadmium tailings from Samut Sakhon, Bangkok, and Chon Buri back to their original location in Tak is set to start on May 7. Bound & Beyond Plc, the company responsible for the task, has a deadline of 36 days to execute the operation, as stated by Pimphattra Wichaikul, the Industry Minister.

Pimphattra revealed yesterday that the committee in charge of the tailings’ transport has considered a revised plan. This revised plan involves the use of 30 trucks to relocate 450 tons of cadmium tailings per day, starting May 7. The initial plan proposed the use of 10 trucks for 92 days, but the committee requested an increase to cut down on the duration. Continued … 

Cadmium poisoning identified in 17 residents near Samut Sakhon factory

Seventeen of 34 residents around a metal factory in Samut Sakhon province have been admitted to Samut Sakhon hospital to be treated for cadmium exposure, the provincial public health office said on Wednesday.

Of the patients, five of them have cadmium levels in their urine that are higher than what is considered safe, according to Dr. Surawit Sakdanuphab, Samut Sakhon public health chief. Inhaling high levels of cadmium damages the lungs and can cause death. Cadmium can also be carcinogenic if it seeps into water sources. Continued … 

Urgent funding sought to solve Krabi’s water shortage

A former Democrat politician called on the Interior Ministry on Tuesday to allocate funds urgently to the Krabi Waterworks Office to solve the ongoing shortage of water.

Thanawat Phukaoluan said Krabi’s water shortage was worsening as the provincial waterworks has announced it can only distribute water in seven subdistricts, and only every other day from Wednesday to next Monday. Continued … 

Sheraton Hua Hin Resort Spa Achieves Thailand Sustainable Event Management Standard Certification

Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa has been awarded the Thailand Sustainable Event Management Standard (TSEMS) certification. This recognition underscores the resort’s commitment to hosting environmentally conscious events that minimize environmental impact and empower local communities.

The TSEMS certification program, administered by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), recognizes organizations dedicated to implementing sustainable practices throughout the event life cycle. Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa has undergone a rigorous assessment process, demonstrating its adherence to stringent criteria across various categories. Continued … 

Bangkok cuts daily carbon footprint by 142 tons with food waste tactic

Food waste separation at 184 markets across Bangkok has helped reduce the carbon footprint by over 140 tons a day, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) said. City hall spokesperson Ekwaranyu Amrapal said, for perspective, “the reduction is equal to the energy consumption of 1,183 round flights from the capital to Chiang Mai.”

He said the 184 markets that collaborated with 50 Bangkok district offices could separate food waste of almost 75 tons per day, accounting for 142.5 tons reduction in carbon footprint daily. Continued … 

Solar geoengineering won’t help

At the most recent United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), held in Nairobi, African countries took a strong stand against potential new technologies that, if developed, could tip an already disrupted climate into chaos.

The continent’s leaders, with the support of other developing countries, helped shoot down a resolution that called for more research into the benefits and risks of solar radiation modification (SRM). Also known as solar geoengineering, SRM is the controversial idea that deliberately modifying the atmosphere to reflect some of the sun’s rays back into space could help cool a warming planet. Instead, these policymakers supported the International Non-Use Agreement on Solar Geoengineering and emphasized the need for effective and equitable climate solutions. Continued … 

Looser conditions urged for 2nd phase of renewables auction

Energy officials are planning to relax the conditions for the second-phase auction of the renewable energy scheme, as more new investors are required to develop clean energy, which is in great demand across the country, says the Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO).

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), which organized the auction, is required to allow only companies that met the technical criteria, but failed to win rights to develop renewable energy in the first-phase auction of the scheme, to participate in the second phase. Continued … 

Thailand’s PTT sees future in hydrogen fuel for vehicles

PTT Plc, Thailand’s national oil and gas conglomerate, is forecasting a future where hydrogen could potentially replace oil-powered vehicles, contributing to the reduction of air pollutants. This year, the company’s subsidiary, Arun Plus, in collaboration with Taiwan’s Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., is planning to domestically produce electric vehicles (EVs).

Additionally, PTT is partnering with various companies to advance the development of hydrogen fuel. Recently, PTT signed a memorandum of understanding with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand and ACWA Power, a Saudi Arabian renewable energy company, to jointly develop green hydrogen. Continued … 

Thailand Strengthens EV Support Program to Promote Battery Innovation

Thailand’s National Electric Vehicle Policy Committee has approved new measures to promote the adoption of electric buses, trucks, and the establishment of battery bases.

These measures aim to make Thailand a regional electric vehicle hub and help the country achieve its carbon neutrality goals. The incentives include subsidies for the production of electric vehicles and tax deductions for companies purchasing electric buses and trucks. Continued … 

Chinese firms eye EV supply chain in Thailand’s Smart Park

Chinese companies have shown keen interest in the EV supply chain and energy sectors of the Smart Park Industrial Estate, situated in Rayong. This estate is due to open by the end of the current year, according to the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT).

The companies aim to establish factories manufacturing EV components to cater to the burgeoning Thai EV market. They also have plans to venture into energy development, revealed Veeris Ammarapala, the governor of IEAT. Continued … 

BOI wraps up China roadshow with at least 2 firms planning battery factories in Thailand

At least two battery manufacturers from China are planning to set up production bases in Thailand this year, the Board of Investment (BOI) said. This remark was made after the agency held a roadshow in China to meet seven battery manufacturers from April 7 to 10.

Narit Theodsatheerasak, BOI secretary-general, said on Wednesday the companies showed interest in the agency’s measures to support investment in manufacturing battery cells for electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems. Continued … 

EV sales expected to miss target

Electric vehicle sales in Thailand are expected to miss the estimate of 130,000 units this year, as prices are likely to keep changing, attributed to a price war among Chinese EV makers, says Hyundai Mobility Thailand, a subsidiary of the Korean automaker.

“The price war is an obstacle in the EV market as it causes unstable car prices, making buyers hesitant,” said Wallop Chalermvongsavej, managing director of Hyundai Mobility Thailand. Continued … 

Rever Leasing aims to lead EV loan market

Rever Leasing, an auto loan unit under Rever Automotive Co., the sole distributor of BYD electric vehicles (EVs), is poised to commence operations next month, setting a lofty goal to emerge as the premier provider of EV loans in Thailand in a few years.

Isara Wongrung, chief executive of Rever Leasing, said being the only captive EV leasing company in the Thai market positions Rever to achieve this ambitious goal. Continued … 

How to Experience Wildlife Responsibly When Traveling

Brought to Japan as a six-month-old baby from Thailand, the elephant Miyako has spent 50 years living in cramped, solitary confinement at the Utsunomiya Zoo about one hour outside of Tokyo.

Unlike elephants in the wild who live in extended family groups and wander for miles on a daily basis, Miyako spends her days standing listlessly on a small concrete platform amid her own feces. And when she’s not exhibited on that platform for zoo visitors, Miyako is locked in a small, dark indoor space. Continued … 

Clawed creature falls from tree and lands on scientist in Thailand. It’s a new species

Under the cover of darkness, a clawed creature slinked through the canopy of trees in southern Thailand. The elusive animal had gone largely undetected — but not for much longer.

A team of researchers visited Phuket Island to survey wildlife in January 2022, according to a study published April 12 in the peer-reviewed journal Zootaxa. The island’s wildlife had generally been “very” well-studied. Continued …

Dead deer found in Thailand with stomach full of plastic waste

A wild deer has been found dead in a national park in northern Thailand with seven kilograms of plastic waste and other trash in its stomach.

The 10-year-old deer, weighing about 200 kilograms, was discovered by national park rangers at the Khun Sathan National Park in northern Nan province. Officials estimate that the deer had died at least two days earlier. Continued … 

Fisheries reform: Thailand risks backtracking on exploitation

The Thai parliament is preparing to examine several bills that would lead to a substantial revision of the laws governing the fishing industry.

The fear of many is that the result could set the employment situation back by years in a sector where conditions of exploitation and violence against labor, especially foreign labor, have been denounced with more frequency and determination. In this case, the fallout on the country’s image, which has long been under scrutiny, could also be substantial. Continued … 

Thailand’s incredible nature reserve — where a trip costs just £7

Outside my tent it’s like Jurassic Park. The thundering footsteps of what must be some primordial giant make the canvas tremble. I peek out. In the midnight darkness I can make out the silhouette of a junior bull elephant stomping below our protected camp, battering the bamboo in a pique of sexual frustration. I watch for a while, then return inside, where it takes the nocturnal serenade of an Indian nightjar to lull me back to sleep.

Here’s the really wild part. My tent is pitched in Kaeng Krachan, Thailand’s largest national park and one of the world’s newest UNESCO heritage sites. It’s in the southwest, a £12 taxi ride from the golden beaches of the ritzy resort of Hua Hin, itself a £1 train ride from Bangkok. This could be Thailand’s most accessible, yet biodiverse, jungle experience. Continued … 

Thailand launches eco, astro, and digital nomad visas

As you plan your upcoming trip to Thailand in 2024, staying updated on the changing visa regulations with careful attention and a positive outlook is crucial. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or making your first visit to the Land of Smiles, knowing the latest tourism visa requirements is key.

In 2024, Thailand is rolling out eco-tourism visas. They’re all about bringing in folks who love sustainability as much as they do. So if you’re into visiting green initiatives and national parks, this one’s for you. They aim to promote conservation efforts and environmentally responsible travel. By choosing an eco-tourism visa, you’re contributing to Thailand’s green initiatives, aligning fun and responsibility seamlessly. Continued … 

UAE reels for a third day after record-breaking storm

The United Arab Emirates was still grappling on Thursday with the aftermath of a record-breaking storm this week that brought much of the country to a standstill. Continued … 

‘Plastic Farming’ initiative to create environment-friendly plastic farms

Bangladesh faces multiple challenges due to climate change and environmental degradation. One of the most pressing issues is the loss of agricultural land due to rising water levels and floods. Continued … 

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