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Climate change: Path to climate resilience/Phuket Tourism Worries Mount/The Massification of Phuket/New climate change fund/Insurers prepare for more disasters/Sustainability: Bangkok’s Sustainability Expo/PTT unveils ambitious strategy/Energy: Reform needed for energy transition/Windfall expected from renewables/Hydrogen: The new hope/Investments in battery storage/EGCO Group to bid for solar projects/PJ Wood Invests 150 Million Baht/Gulf Energy sees potential/MEA Energy Awards/Water: Dammed in the Mekong/Sustainable rice revolution/Air: Asphalt factory closure over pollution/SCG promotes plan/Plastics: Plastic waste will surpass marine life/Dow Thailand Reports on Plastic Waste Reduction/FSC-Certified Packaging/Recycling: Top Award for Waste Management/Electric vehicles: Britain’s Zapp EV in Thailand/Eco-tourism: Get Back to Nature/Wildlife: Endangered bird’s triumphant return/
Thailand’s path to climate resilience
Heavy rains, landslides and flash floods are yet again battering Thailand. Amid the annual monsoon season (July–October), the recent arrival of the La Niña weather phenomenon and the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi have caused chaos in the country’s northern region.
The consequences are severe. The estimated cost to Chiang Rai and nearby provinces is as much as 27 billion baht (US$830 million) from the first wave of flooding. More than 150,000 families have been affected since mid-August. Continued …
Phuket Tourism Worries Mount Over Climate Change Impact
Phuket tourism operators are increasingly anxious about climate change’s tangible consequences, affecting both Thailand and key tourist source markets through severe weather and flooding.
Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, president of the Phuket Tourist Assn., highlighted that flooding has become an annual occurrence in several areas, including Kata, Karon, and Kamala. Continued …
The Massification of Phuket
Phuket has recently hit the headlines as among the top 10 overcrowded places on the planet to visit in 2023. Despite the faulty fundamental premise of the key report inspiring those headline-making stories, it is undeniable that Phuket in some areas is suffering from overtourism issues ‒ and the label promoted by such stories is an unwelcome distinction for an island that has long sought to prioritize quality tourism over quantity. Continued …
Thailand backs new climate change fund
Thailand supports efforts to reach a conclusion on the creation of a global climate change fund at a UN conference in Azerbaijan next month, says Phirun Saiyasitpanich, head of the Climate Change and Environment Department.
The National Committee on Climate Change Policy on Monday approved the country’s negotiating framework for the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) of the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference, which will be held in Baku from Nov. 11–22. Continued …
Insurers prepare for more global disasters
The insurance industry is facing the consequences of growing geopolitical conflicts, as well as natural disasters, prompting insurers to prepare for greater business risks, according to participants at the 23rd conference of the Association of Insurers and Reinsurers of Developing Countries (AIRDC).
Somporn Suebthawilkul, president of the Thai General Insurance Assn. (TGIA), said natural disasters and geopolitics are the main risks that insurance businesses around the world must pay attention to, and that would require a higher level of risk to manage. Continued …
Bangkok’s Sustainability Expo ends with pledge to mirror UN’s Decade of Action
Bangkok’s Sustainability Expo will continue until 2030, serving as a platform to accelerate the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and create new sustainability models, delegates and speakers agreed on Sunday, as this year’s edition drew to a close.
The 10-day event, the brainchild of Thai Beverage Plc and partners, has been held for five consecutive years at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) to raise public awareness of living sustainably. Continued …
PTT unveils ambitious strategy for sustainable growth in ASEAN
PTT, Thailand’s top energy company, has unveiled its strategy for driving sustainable growth in the ASEAN region through carbon-capture storage (CCS) and hydrogen technologies.
At the “ASEAN Economic Outlook 2025” forum on Monday, PTT’s CEO and President Kongkrapan Intarajang outlined the company’s vision for balancing energy security with environmental responsibility in the rapidly developing region. Continued …
NESDC: Urgent reform needed for Thai agriculture, energy transition
The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has warned that Thailand must urgently improve its agricultural production while transitioning to clean energy.
This dual transformation is essential to bolster the country’s ecosystem, food security, and economic resilience in the face of intense global geopolitical challenges and severe climate change impacts, said the NESDC’s Witsanu Attavanich. Continued …
Windfall expected from renewables scheme
The much-delayed second phase of the renewables scheme is expected to be revived this month, with a new auction for renewable energy projects expected to draw both existing and new investors.
The scheme is not only an essential part of state efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels, but is also expected to increase investment in power generation facility development and benefit related businesses. Continued …
Hydrogen: The new hope for clean energy in Thailand
As the world faces an environmental crisis, clean energy becomes a key to a sustainable future. One promising source of energy is hydrogen, which is being developed in Thailand to transition toward an environmentally friendly energy system and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Hydrogen is an abundant element that can be used as a clean fuel because its combustion releases only water and oxygen, causing no pollution. It also serves as an energy storage medium, capable of generating electricity through fuel cells, helping to strengthen energy security for the future. Continued …
Thailand banking on investments in battery storage sytsems
Many people know electric vehicles (EVs) are fueled by batteries, but houses, factories and power plants that use renewable power also require batteries for lighting, supporting daily work, and to serve as a back-up electricity source.
Buildings and renewable power-generation facilities need a battery energy storage system (BESS) to ensure they use or supply electricity without interruption. Continued …
EGCO Group to participate in bidding for over 10 solar projects
Electricity Generating Public Co., or EGCO Group, will participate in the second phase of renewable energy bidding (RE Big Lot) called by the Energy Regulatory Commission of Thailand (ERC) and enter more than 10 ground-mounted solar projects into the bid.
The company’s participation in the RE Big Lot bidding is in line with EGCO Group’s goal to increase the proportion of renewable energy capacity up to 30% by 2030, which will support Thailand’s transformation toward a low-carbon society and attract foreign investment through clean energy promotion. Continued …
PJ Wood Invests 150 Million Baht in Green Initiative
PJ Chonburi Parawood Co., a leading Thai exporter of home goods, is earmarking 150 million baht to a new green initiative aimed at transforming its operations to meet the rising global demand for sustainable products. The investment will position PJ Wood as a leader in eco-conscious manufacturing, enhancing both operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.
This initiative encompasses the installation of a solar power plant, enabling PJ Wood to transition toward renewable energy and significantly reduce its dependence on conventional energy sources. Continued …
Gulf Energy sees potential in Thailand’s clean energy transition
Gulf Energy Development has highlighted Thailand’s potential for growth in clean energy and its role in enhancing the country’s energy security, its chief asset management and investment officer, Smith Banomyong, said on Monday.
He delivered this perspective and outlined the company’s vision at the “ASEAN Economic Outlook 2025” seminar, organized by Krungthep Turakij to celebrate its 37th anniversary. Despite Thailand’s relatively modest 2% economic growth compared with regional powerhouses like Vietnam, Banomyong highlighted significant opportunities in the kingdom’s service sector. Continued …
125 venues in Greater Bangkok win MEA Energy Awards
The Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) recognized the sustainable energy efficiency practices implemented by 125 establishments in Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan at the 2024 MEA Energy Awards ceremony on Friday.
The 125 winners, including one university, two schools, four hospitals, four hotels, 46 convenience stores, six hypermarts, nine shopping malls, 38 offices and 15 cafes, were chosen from a shortlist of 194 participants. Continued …
Dammed in the Mekong: Averting an Environmental Catastrophe
Environmental degradation caused by infrastructure development in the Mekong basin, especially large-scale hydropower and sand mining, threatens the region’s ecological balance and the livelihoods of 70 million people. Over the past 30 years, developers have largely ignored the natural ecosystems’ environmental and social value, while the emergence of new infrastructure and industries has deepened inequality within states.
None of the Mekong basin states – China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam – has achieved a satisfactory balance between the imperatives of economic growth and environmental preservation, while climate change has resulted in higher temperatures and severe droughts, exacerbating the harmful effects of new infrastructure. Continued …
A sustainable rice revolution is underway in Thailand
In Thailand, efforts are underway to accelerate best practices in rice farming that are environmentally friendly and socially responsible, while boosting yields for farmers. The aim is to make food systems more resilient and decarbonize the agriculture sector.
Every day, rice sustains billions across Asia and the globe, serving as an essential, affordable source of nutrition for many of the world’s most vulnerable populations. But rice is a water-intensive crop, consuming 40% of the world’s irrigation supply, with 3,000 to 5,000 liters required to produce just one kilogram of rice. Continued …
Chumphon residents force asphalt factory closure over decade-long pollution
Residents of Chumphon have taken decisive action to close an asphalt factory due to persistent odors and dust that have plagued their community for over a decade. Despite previous complaints and promises of resolution, the problems have persisted, prompting renewed protests.
Yesterday, approximately 50 residents from several villages in Saphli subdistrict, Pathio district, Chumphon province, gathered in front of the asphalt mixing plant on the Saphli-Thung Wua Laen Road. The group displayed signs expressing their grievances. The factory, one of three in the area, has been a constant source of pollution and health issues for the local community. Continued …
SCG promotes plan to slash Thailand’s carbon emissions
Siam Cement Group (SCG), a leading conglomerate in Southeast Asia, is asking the government to adopt four proposals to speed up Thailand’s efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
The four proposals, raised during the ESG Symposium 2024, were presented to Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong, who presided over the recent event in Bangkok. Continued …
Plastic waste will surpass marine life by 2050
Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental challenges of the 21st century. Its pervasive presence, from the depths of the oceans to the peaks of the highest mountains, reminds humanity’s unchecked consumption of single-use plastics and the inadequate systems in place to manage plastic waste.
Globally, an estimated 400 million tons of plastic are produced every year, and roughly half of this is for single-use items such as packaging, bottles and bags. Alarmingly, over 8 million metric tons of plastic end up in oceans annually, according to the United Nations. This accumulation of plastic in the environment has devastating effects on marine ecosystems. Continued …
Dow Thailand Reports on Carbon and Plastic Waste Reduction
Dow Thailand today announced the release of its 2023 Sustainability Report, showcasing the company’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and governance excellence.
This report outlines Dow Thailand’s achievements and future goals in alignment with Dow’s global sustainability strategy, demonstrating a strong commitment to creating a sustainable future for Thailand through tangible successes. Continued …
Thailand’s ‘Five Star’ Embraces FSC-Certified Packaging
Five Star, a leading food franchise in Thailand, has become the country’s first to introduce eco-friendly packaging certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) standard. This move underscores the company’s commitment to environmental consciousness and sustainability at both national and international levels.
The company is actively promoting eco-friendly packaging and reducing plastic usage. The company has adopted biodegradable packaging and recently become the first Thai franchise brand to use FSC-certified food packaging and also replaced plastic bucket lids with FSC-certified paper alternatives. Continued …
UOB Thailand Wins Top Award for Waste Management
UOB Thailand has been awarded top honors in the banking category at the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) Waste Management Model Awards, recognizing its role in sustainable waste-management practices.
The Bank’s UOB Waste to Wonder program has earned the distinction of being the only bank to meet the criteria for a “Zero-Waste Organization” this year, in alignment with BMA’s Zero Waste campaign. Continued …
Britain’s Zapp EV to build new electric vehicle site in Thailand
Zapp Electric Vehicles Group, a British electric vehicle brand, announced it has signed a contract with AIH Group for the construction of a manufacturing site in the Bangkok Free Trade Zone. The site is designed to demonstrate Zapp’s Gen-2 sustainable assembly and flexible manufacturing capabilities, with completion slated for early 2025.
The new facility will serve as a model for future Zapp manufacturing sites globally, aimed at regions with high sales growth potential. Each site is expected to have an annual production capacity of up to 20,000 units. The company has begun sales of its i300 model in Thailand and anticipates the new site will bolster both domestic sales and exports. Continued …
3 Perfect Places to Get Back to Nature in Thailand
Whether you want wildlife, mountain hikes or castaway island experiences, there’s a perfect back-to-nature getaway waiting for you in Thailand.
Each corner of the country offers a unique adventure, from spotting birds and elephants in lush forests to swimming in azure waters teeming with marine life. Here are three great places, from north to south, where you can immerse yourself in Thailand’s beautiful tropical wilderness. Continued …
Endangered bird’s triumphant return to Thailand
In a ground-breaking win for wildlife conservation, Thailand has achieved an unprecedented milestone: critically endangered Asian woolly necked storks have bred in the wild for the first time. These majestic birds, once at risk of vanishing forever, are back and thriving in their natural habitat.
Officials from the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand and Khao Kheow Open Zoo revealed the news after seven years of hard work. Their efforts to reintroduce the species into the wild have finally paid off. Continued … https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thailands-critically-endangered-storks-make-history-in-