Environment and natural resources
Pollution and waste
Greenpeace proposes widespread collection fee to drive push against disposables
Greenpeace has proposed an indiscriminately-implemented collection fee as a means to eradicate single-use plastic bags and containers from disposal, as well as to establish an independent fund for rehabilitation of Thailand’s seas.The popular environmental group’s proposal comes on the heels of the deaths of two ...
The Nation Reporter
Calls for total ban on use of single-use plastic bags
The death of baby dugong Mariam, which was found to be caused from problems associated with plastic bags blocking her digestive system, has brought about renewed calls for stricter control, or a complete ban, on the use of single-use plastic bags.Marine scientist, and vice dean ...
Poisonous e-waste dump cleared, leaving stench of corruption
Piles of industrial and electronic waste dumped in protected forest in the eastern province of Sa Kaew were cleared on Wednesday, making way for the Pollution Control Department to soon move in to check whether toxic residues would endanger the health of local residents.Keep reading ...
Thanapat Kijjakosol
New system to accurately predict PM2.5 levels
The Pollution Control Department (PCD) has developed a system for accurately forecasting air pollution with the aim of boosting the authorities’ effectiveness in tackling the issue of PM2.5 dust – airborne particulates 2.5 microns or less in diameter, according to department director-general Pralong Damrongthai.The system ...
The Nation Reporter
Recycled electronics are turning Thailand into a 'dumping ground for hazardous waste'
Electronic waste from Western countries, including Australia, is flooding the shores of South-East Asian nations like Thailand, sparking fears of air and water pollution.Global waste markets were upended in 2018 when China implemented tough new import restrictions on plastic and e-waste materials from foreign nations, ...
Samut Prakan monk makes ‘nano-robes’ from recycled plastic bottles
After three years of trials, Pra Maha Pranom, who is the assistant abbot of Wat Chak Daeng temple in Thailand’s Samut Prakan province, has successfully produced what he calls a “nano-robe”, made from a mixture of recycled plastic, cotton and zinc oxide nanoparticles.The robe is ...
Govt to get WB aid for marine debris
The World Bank has pledged to provide financial support for the government’s efforts to manage marine debris on its waters, said the permanent secretary for natural resources and environment, Wijarn Simachaya.“Besides the World Bank, several other foreign financial institutions have pledged to help fund Thailand’s ...
Apinya Wipatayotin
Thailand and ASEAN attempt to curb marine debris
In an effort to eliminate marine plastic debris, the 10 member states of ASEAN (The Association of Southeast Asia Nations) has adopted “The Bangkok Declaration on Combating Marine Debris in the ASEAN Region” at the recent 34th ASEAN Summit in Bangkok.ASEAN officials describe the document ...
How to solve Thailand’s local waste management crisis
After reading three Isaan Record articles published in November 2018 on air pollution and a waste water problem caused by the Warin Chamrap Municipality landfill and incinerator for infectious waste in Ubon Ratchathani, I can’t help but think that the state and local authorities have ...
Electronic waste discovered in Sa Kaeo conservation forest
Residents of Tambon Talangnai, in the Wangnamyen district of Thailand’s Sa Kaeo province, have discovered a huge electronic waste dumping site, covering over 3.2 hectares of a conservation forest in the area. They are appealing to relevant authorities to inspect the site, fearing it might ...