Thailand’s tourism sector stands at a pivotal moment in history, teetering at the crossroads of traditional practices and stringent global sustainability standards. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) hosted a game-changing seminar titled “Action Alert! Accelerating Towards Sustainable Tourism in Thailand” on September 26, 2024, at the Avani+ Riverside Hotel in Bangkok. Partnering with international sustainable tourism leaders, TAT aimed to arm Thai tourism businesses with the essential knowledge and tools to navigate the impending environmental regulations mandated by the European Union, set to roll out within the next two years. With over 1,000 industry stakeholders gathered, the urgency for transformation was palpable. In his opening remarks, Mr. Teerasil Tapen, Deputy Governor for Digitalisation, Research and Development, underscored that sustainability is no longer just a buzzword but a prerequisite for global business partnerships. Elaborating on the forthcoming EU regulations—the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)…
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Traditional rice farming, while rich in heritage, poses significant environmental challenges. Practices such as burning leftover straw post-harvest and submerging fields throughout the growing season lead to wasted water resources and the release of harmful greenhouse gases, chiefly methane. These effects are detrimental not only to the environment but also to human health. Fortunately, sustainable alternatives are emerging as viable solutions. One such method involves introducing dry cycles during rice cultivation. By alternating between wet and dry periods, farmers can significantly reduce carbon emissions. This practice not only conserves water but also minimizes methane production. Furthermore, incorporating straw back into the soil enriches it and eliminates the air pollution caused by burning. Adopting these greener methods offers a multitude of benefits: it decreases greenhouse gas emissions, preserves precious water resources, reduces farming costs, and enhances agricultural efficiency. Leveling rice paddies to optimize water use, in combination with adopting efficient techniques,…
The government needs to accelerate its efforts to drain excess water from flood-stricken areas in the North and Northeast, as more torrential rain is expected to lash upper Thailand in the coming days, according to the Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) yesterday. Paiton Kengkarnchang, the ONWR deputy secretary-general, mentioned that a new storm system is forming over the Philippines. While the storm is unlikely to directly hit Thailand, it is forecasted to bring increased rainfall to the lower North, upper Central Plains, the Northeast, and East around Monday and Tuesday next week. In light of this, all agencies managing the country’s flood situation have been urged to speed up their flood-draining efforts through various channels leading to the Gulf of Thailand, according to the ONWR deputy chief. According to the Meteorological Department’s forecast yesterday, a southwest monsoon is also currently blowing across the Andaman Sea, bringing heavy rain to…
The Chao Phraya Dam in Chai Nat has been accelerating its water drainage efforts. As a result, the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) has issued a warning to 11 central provinces that lie along the Chao Phraya River, urging them to prepare for higher water levels. These provinces include Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Suphan Buri, Ayutthaya, Lop Buri, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, and Bangkok. RID’s acting Director-General, Det Lekwichai, emphasized the urgency of the situation in his communication to the governors of these provinces on Thursday. He stated that the Royal Irrigation Department plans to increase its water outflow from 1,500 to 2,000 cubic meters per second due to an uptick in water volume coming from the North. Forecasts from the agency indicate that the water flow rate through the C2 water measurement station in Nakhon Sawan could reach up to 2,100 cubic meters per second…
The Bureau of Reproductive Health, Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, hand in hand with the Planned Parenthood Association of Thailand under the esteemed patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra, has teamed up with Bayer Thai Co., Ltd., to unveil a campaign celebrating World Contraception Day 2024. This annual event, celebrated every September 26th, carries the empowering theme, “Empowering Choices, One Decision at a Time.” The mission? To spread awareness and knowledge about effective contraception, enabling the younger generation to make informed decisions, control their futures, and cut down on unintended pregnancies, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Dr. Bunyarit Sukrat, the Director of the Bureau of Reproductive Health, shared some candid insights. While teenage pregnancy rates in Thailand show a promising downward trend, the challenge is far from over. The latest reproductive health report for adolescents and youth from 2022 reveals that 42,457 girls…
The government needs to accelerate its efforts to drain excess water from the flood-hit areas in the North and Northeast, with more torrential rain expected to drench upper Thailand in the next few days, according to the Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) yesterday. ONWR deputy secretary-general, Paiton Kengkarnchang, reported that a new storm system is brewing over the Philippines. While the storm isn’t expected to directly hit Thailand, it will bring increased rainfall to the lower North, upper Central Plains, Northeast, and East regions by Monday and Tuesday, he stated. Consequently, all agencies managing the country’s flood situation are urged to expedite their efforts to drain excess water in the affected areas through various channels leading to the Gulf of Thailand, according to the ONWR deputy chief. The Meteorological Department’s forecast yesterday revealed that a southwest monsoon is currently sweeping across the Andaman Sea, bringing heavy rain to the…
The Interior Ministry is set to propose a substantial increase in financial aid for flood victims at the upcoming cabinet meeting on Tuesday. As announced by Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has directed the Ministry of Finance to allocate an additional 3 billion baht from the central budget to support those affected in 57 provinces. On Wednesday, funds earmarked for the Comptroller General’s Department were redirected to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation to expedite relief efforts. Minister Anutin confirmed that a detailed survey commenced on the same day to identify eligible recipients who will receive financial aid ranging from 5,000 to 9,000 baht per household. “Despite our best efforts, we recognize that even 9,000 baht per household may fall short of the needs,” Minister Anutin admitted. “We are determined to offer more comprehensive support and will bring this matter to the cabinet for approval on…
The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) has issued a critical alert to 11 central provinces bisected by the Chao Phraya River, urging them to brace for significantly heightened water levels as the Chao Phraya Dam in Chai Nat escalates water drainage operations. Det Lekwichai, the RID’s acting Director-General, delivered this urgent advisory to the governors of Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Suphan Buri, Ayutthaya, Lop Buri, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, and Bangkok. Mr. Det explained that the Royal Irrigation Department plans to amplify its water outflow from 1,500 to 2,000 cubic meters per second, spurred by an increased volume of water surging down from the north. The department forecasts that the Chao Phraya River’s water flow will hit the C2 water measurement station in Nakhon Sawan tomorrow at a staggering rate of up to 2,100 cubic meters per second. When this primary flow is combined with a…
In a whirlwind of growing frustrations, a substantial number of consumers seek justice in a case involving a high-profile online retailer accused of selling substandard gold jewellery. The situation unfolded dramatically as twenty disgruntled individuals, who felt they had been duped by Kornkanok Suwannabut and her husband, Kanpol Rueng-aram, converged yesterday. They met with Pol Col Kraiwit Saenthaweesuk, the chief investigator of the Consumer Protection Police Division, pushing for legal action against the couple. Anusorn Asurapong, the lawyer representing these twenty complainants, revealed that there are at least 135 more victims who could not be present to file their complaints. He noted that logistical challenges, such as residing in distant provinces or being overseas, prevented their attendance. According to him, the total damages suffered by these 155 complainants are estimated to amount to at least 2 million baht. One frustrated complainant recounted their futile attempt to lodge a complaint with…
During an enlightening tour of the newly established Thailand Victim Identification and Referral Centre in Don Muang district, an official couldn’t resist capturing the moment. The center, designed to support potential victims of human trafficking under the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) system, was officially unveiled on a sunny Tuesday. Amidst the clamor of the event, Pattarapong Chatpattarasill’s camera clicked, immortalizing a significant stride in Thailand’s fight against human trafficking. The Thai government proudly opened this pivotal centre with the ambition of enhancing the country’s reputation on the global stage. Their ultimate goal? To elevate Thailand to Tier 1 on the US State Department’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) ranking. During the inauguration, Pol Lt Gen Prachuap Wongsuk, the Assistant Commissioner-General and Acting Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police (RTP), underscored the government’s longstanding commitment to combating human trafficking, emphasizing its designation as a national agenda. Pol Lt Gen Prachuap elucidated…