Environmental News - Phuket

The Department of Business Development (DBD) and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) have strengthened their collaboration to more effectively tackle nominee businesses.

The Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) is questioning the economic viability of the Land Bridge project, which requires a massive investment of up to 1 trillion baht, as well as whether the government should provide financial support.

The cabinet will consider a borrowing framework worth several hundred billion baht to fund the government's "Thai Chuay Thai Plus" (Thais Helping Thais Plus) programme on Tuesday, along with other welfare measures and renewable energy initiatives.

PHUKET – Firefighters have finally extinguished the blaze at the Phuket City municipal landfill after a battle lasting 30 hours .

CAIRO/DUBAI: The risk of an expanded ​Iran war grew as Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis on Saturday launched their first attacks on Israel since ‌the start of the conflict, even as additional U.S. forces reached the Middle East.

A Saraburi forest monastery is accused of illegally occupying more than 2,000 rai of state land to build meditation huts and host concerts.

Bangkok is set to strengthen its waste management system with two new waste-to-energy power plants being developed by C&G Environmental Protection.

Air quality has reached the 'orange' level, indicating that it is beginning to affect public health. PM2.5 levels exceeded standards in 44 districts across the country.

Official update on Phuket oil spill assessment: government confirms seawater quality normal and minimal shoreline risk from vessel spill.

Air quality in Bangkok has deteriorated further, with the amount of PM2.5 dust in the atmosphere reaching the health-threatening 'orange' level in all 50 districts.

Phuket officials are moving ahead with plans to adopt modern technology to treat landfill leachate, with a long-term goal of recycling wastewater.

Construction at The Petit Tycoon condominium project in Cherng Talay has been ordered halted for 30 days, after a steel beam fell from a crane and landed inside a house below.

Residents affected by construction incidents receive minimal compensation despite significant property damage and safety concerns.

Survey reveals overwhelming majority of businesses in Thailand express serious concerns about corruption affecting their operations and the business environment.

Incumbent Cherng Talay OrBorTor chief Manoch Phanchalad has been re-elected for another term after unofficial results from local elections held across six subdistrict administrative organisations in Phuket showed clear victories for several sitting mayors and their teams.

Looking back at 2025, five of Phuket's most important people in influencing policy all have identified different issues as the most important for the island to tackle in 2026, with infrastructure strain emerging as the critical challenge.

Thailand is pushing a WEEE law based on Extended Producer Responsibility to tackle over 400,000 tonnes of e-waste annually and boost recycling of phones and other electronic devices, according to the Pollution Control Department.

Analysis of tourist demographics reveals significant shifts in visitor patterns to Phuket, with implications for infrastructure planning, environmental management, and sustainable tourism development in the region.

On January 2, images of Patong Beach strewn with garbage went viral. Most trash consisted of single-use plastic bags, beverage cans and beer bottles, believed to have been discarded by New Year revellers, highlighting Phuket's ongoing waste management challenges.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration calls on public and private organisations to adopt work-from-home measures on January 12–13, 2026, as stagnant air conditions are expected to worsen PM2.5 pollution levels across the capital.

National media coverage highlights ongoing environmental governance challenges in Phuket, including EIA compliance, development oversight, and local authority accountability in managing rapid growth and environmental protection.

The Act is designed to steer Thailand toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2065, with an ambitious interim target of reducing emissions by 30-40% by 2030.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment announces collaboration with EVA Development to establish enhanced environmental standards and monitoring frameworks for development projects in sensitive coastal areas.

The Pollution Control Department confirmed that coastal seawater in Chalong Bay, Phuket, meets national recreational standards following a recent speedboat fire incident. Emergency cleanup operations successfully contained potential pollution.

Immediate priorities include parliamentary consideration of the Clean Air Act and climate change legislation, developing real-time open burning detection systems, and strengthening environmental governance frameworks.

Developed in collaboration with regeneration experts 99Hives, the project introduces colonies of stingless bees – safe and highly efficient pollinators that support local biodiversity and sustainable food production at the resort.

Several trends could affect businesses and investors next year, including the enforcement of Thailand's first standard for sustainable aviation fuel from Jan 1, creating a new benchmark for green fuel use in the aviation industry.

Ultra-fine dust pollution reached unsafe levels in Bangkok and 36 provinces including one designated red (seriously harmful) on Thursday morning, according to the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda).

BUENG KAN - Recent water quality tests have confirmed the Mekong River is safe, with arsenic levels within acceptable limits, according to a senior local environmental official.

People in Thailand are warned of experiencing higher levels of harmful smog throughout next week, according to Pollution Control Department (PCD).

The National Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested a former municipal engineer in Kathu, accused of forging official building permits and deceiving the public in connection with illegal construction projects.

Despite the Department of International Trade Promotion suggesting that Thailand has moved towards sustainable food trends in 2025, the one major trend, inside and outside the kitchen, has been affordability.

PHUKET: The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has arrested a former municipal engineer in Kathu, accused of forging official building permits and deceiving the public.

Officials in Phuket City are alarmed by the increasing amount of waste that now exceeds capacity to handle, urging other local administrations to abandon complacency and join the fight against garbage.

Digital services, health and wellness, and businesses with solid environmental, social and governance (ESG) attributes remain promising next year, according to a survey by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC).

Suwat Saowaran, Director of NACC Phuket, confirms investigation into alleged corruption in the construction of major condo developments in Bang Tao will target several major developments, expanding to 54 projects under scrutiny.

Thailand's growing dependence on renewable power is fuelling demand for reliable electrical equipment to avoid facing an issue similar to one that took place in Australia where energy controllers led to a serious issue rather than instilling confidence.

PHUKET: NACC Phuket Director Suwat Saowaran has confirmed to The Phuket News that the investigation into alleged corruption in the construction of major condo developments in Bang Tao will target several major developments.

The sudden dissolution of parliament by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is causing shockwaves when it comes to Thailand's economic recovery plans, with business leaders warning of stalled stimulus measures and renewable energy projects.

Laguna Phuket advances sustainability efforts by launching eight new fully electric shuttles, representing a significant step forward in promoting low-carbon mobility and responsible tourism at Asia's premier integrated resort destination.

NACC Phuket Director confirms his office has been formally requested to investigate the construction of the 'One World' condo project in Cherng Talay for alleged EIA violations and corruption in the approval process.

Manoch Panchalard, Chief of the Cherng Talay Tambon Administration Organisation for the past four years, has registered to contest the upcoming election, aiming to continue work initiated during his previous term.

Laguna Phuket has made a significant advancement in its sustainability efforts by launching eight new fully electric shuttles, featuring the Rava Beach Club's identity. This initiative coincides with the grand opening of the Rava Beach Club and represents a significant step forward in promoting low-carbon mobility and responsible tourism at Asia's premier integrated resort destination.

PHUKET - Officials in Phuket City are alarmed by the increasing amount of waste that now exceeds its capacity to handle, urging other local administrations to abandon their complacency and join the fight against garbage.

Exhibition reflects Sansiri's commitment to driving positive environmental change and highlights potential of Phuket province to evolve into sustainable tourism destination.

PHUKET: Suwat Saowaran, Director of the National Anti-Corruption Commission Phuket office (NACC Phuket), has confirmed to The Phuket News that his office has been formally requested to investigate the construction of the 'One World' condo project in Cherng Talay.

Private sector leaders urge government to overhaul outdated waste-to-energy regulations and tackle massive food waste volumes for economic and environmental gains.

Thailand's energy and power sector is entering a major transition, driven by the National Energy Policy Council's (NEPC) approval of a new natural gas pricing structure and shifting investment themes that increasingly favour renewable energy and power demand driven by data centres.

The Excise Department is preparing six new tax measures focusing on environmental protection and public health.

People in most parts of the country continued to suffer under unsafe levels of air pollution on Wednesday, with red-level smog seriously harmful to health again recorded in Bangkok and 10 nearby provinces.

Royal Rainmaking Operation starts December 3, 2025 to reduce health impacts and improve air quality as PM2.5 pollution reaches harmful levels in Bangkok and surrounding provinces.

Thai government advances Climate Change Act aimed at reducing emissions and tackling growing risks of extreme weather events across the country.

Thick smog reached seriously harmful (red) levels in Bangkok and 12 provinces in the Central Plains and the East on Tuesday morning when most parts of Thailand were shrouded with unsafe levels of air pollution.

PHUKET: Manoch Panchalard, Chief of the Cherng Talay Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor) for the past four years, has registered to contest the upcoming election, aiming to continue work initiated during his previous term.

Phuket strengthens position as high-quality destination while addressing environmental issues: island produces 1,200 tonnes of waste daily but can treat only 700 tonnes, requiring urgent state investment.

Cabinet sets out plans for carbon taxes and emissions trading system under Thailand's first formal climate change legislation, marking major shift in environmental policy.

Phuket is looking to strengthen its standing as a high-quality destination, with projected tourist revenue expected to surpass 500 billion baht this year, says Thanet Tantipiriyakit, president of the Phuket Tourist Association.

The Phuket Provincial Landfill has reached full capacity, raising urgent concerns about the region's waste management crisis. Local authorities are scrambling to find an immediate solution to prevent a public health and environmental disaster.

Layan Residents Group formally calls on authorities to investigate alleged EIA breaches by multiple developers after months of violations culminated in October 31 landslide at Sun Hills site. Developments include Sun Hills, The Friends Condominium, Ayana Heights, Layan Verde, and Layan Green Park.

The Layan group of Cherng Talay area have formally called on authorities to investigate what they say are repeated violations of environmental laws and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) measures.

PHUKET: The Layan group of Cherng Talay area have formally called on authorities to investigate what they say are repeated violations of environmental laws and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) measures by several major development projects.

Thailand has climbed to 17th among nations most at risk from extreme weather, according to the latest Climate Risk Index (CRI) released by Germanwatch. The Department of Climate Change and Environment (DCCE) said the findings have prompted accelerated upgrades to early‑warning systems and a push for

The Samui property market now mirrors Phuket's 2022 peak, with newly launched villas reaching a 15-year high and land prices up 10%, according to property consultancy Colliers Thailand.

The cabinet on Tuesday declared the entire Songkhla a disaster zone, freeing up relief funds, as the province continued to suffer under the severe flooding that has claimed the lives of at least 13 people in the southern region.

All shuttle services between Hat Yai airport and the city centre have been temporarily suspended because all roads in the area have been made impassable by flooding.

Phuket's daily waste volume averages 1,150-1,200 tonnes, rising to 1,300 tonnes during large events or peak tourism periods.

Thailand's first Climate Change Act is set for Cabinet approval, establishing the national framework for carbon regulation and climate action.

Inbound trips from Malaysia to southern Thailand are expected to be completely cancelled this week due to severe flash floods, particularly in Hat Yai, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

Hotels in Phuket are working on sustainability initiatives, though many still lack the knowledge needed to drive greener procurement practices.

PHUKET: Police arrested eight Chinese nationals found working without permits at a construction site in Bang Tao during a three-day immigration sweep carried out last week.

PHUKET: Immigration officials in Phuket have begun enforcing some of the toughest screening measures in years as the national crackdown on so-called “visa runners” intensifies. Repeated visa-free entries and suspicious behaviour will now almost certainly lead to denial of entry.

Phuket's Jungceylon shopping complex unveils an Eco Wonderland campaign featuring upcycled art by leading Thai artists to promote sustainable growth.

PHUKET: Rainfall recorded in Phuket has already surpassed both last year's total and the province's 30-year annual average, with the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) reporting 2,590.9 millimetres of rain between Jan 1 and Nov 19, 2025.

Bangkok Governor joins preparedness meeting on wildfires, haze and fine particulate pollution (PM2.5) for the upcoming season.

PHUKET: Phuket Governor Nirat Phongsittithaworn officially began his first full day of work in Phuket yesterday (Nov 18), following a flurry of online posts from the Phuket Provincial Public Relations Office (PR Phuket) assuring the public of his presence on the island.

Phuket's mounting waste management problems have come under renewed focus after the island failed to secure a place in this year's national 'Clean Province' Community Waste Management Awards – a stark contrast to last year's third-place finish among small provinces.

Community-led beach cleanup initiative in Mai Khao successfully collected more than 100 kilograms of waste from the shoreline.

CHERNG TALAY, PHUKET — The Phuket Administrative Court has issued a significant procedural order in the ongoing legal challenge to controversial development projects in the Layan area, formally adding three major developers and the local government authority as parties.

The Phuket Administrative Court has issued a significant procedural order formally adding three major developers (AYANA, VERDE, and SUNHILLS) and the local government authority as parties to the case.

Multiple international outlets report that the 35-year-old Russian man arrested in Phuket by Thai cyber police is likely GRU military intelligence officer Aleksey Lukashev. The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) confirmed the arrest on Wednesday (Nov 12).

Provincial officials have met to review the proposed Muang Mai–Koh Kaeo–Kathu Expressway, emphasising that any future development must comply with strict environmental protection rules.

PHUKET: The Phuket office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC Phuket) has publicly released the official income and asset declarations of key municipal leaders who either retained their positions in the May local elections. The financial disclosures, published on Oct 31, cover the declarations of officials who came to serve as mayors, NACC Phuket Chief Suwat Saowaran confirmed to The Phuket News.

The Phuket Administrative Court officially accepted a lawsuit filed by the Layan Residents Group against three major property developments—AYANA, VERDE, and SUNHILLS, registered as Black Case No. 1 of 2025.

Emergency situation as entire southern boundary of Layan Estate collapses into illegally excavated SUNHILLS site. Four villas in imminent danger, residents evacuated.

Thailand is driving toward key environmental milestones by 2030, focusing on sustainable development.

Educational article exploring the critical importance of mangrove ecosystems for marine life, coastal protection, and carbon sequestration.

This is a statement presented to the Phuket Administrative Court regarding Black Case S.1/2025, concerning damages to plaintiffs. The presentation was delivered by Dr. Roland Bleszynski on November 3, 2025.

A minor landslide at the Sun Hills site on Oct 31 destroyed boundary trees, soil and fencing. The Layan Residents Group (LRG) warned that the vertical cutting near the estate was a major risk.

Officers from Phuket Immigration led a coordinated task force in a series of raids at five business locations in Patong on Thursday (Oct 23) as part of a nationwide campaign to crack down on foreign nominees and illegal business operations. The operation followed Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakulʼs directive to tighten control and supervision of foreigners residing or conducting business in Thailand.

This document provides a CV outline for Mr. Nirat Pongsitthaworn, appointed Governor of Phuket in October 2025. It focuses on his community and environmental credentials from his tenure as Governor of Chiang Mai Province.

The tourism and sports minister has acknowledged Thailand is no longer a 'tourism giant,' but he plans to attract 2-3 million more Chinese tourists during his four-month term.

The bid for Phuket to gain special administrative status is gaining momentum. This proposal aims to grant the island greater autonomy in managing its own affairs, which is seen as a critical step for addressing local environmental and infrastructure challenges.

PHUKET: Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee has submitted a formal request urging the government to reconsider Thailand's visa-free policy, listing concerns over rising incidents of inappropriate tourist behaviour and its impact on the province's image.

Phuket's condo and villa market cooled markedly in the first half of 2025, with both new launches and sales contracting by more than 50% from the same period in 2024, after two consecutive years of peak new supply.

Phuket's chronic lack of budget allocation and utilisation for infrastructure is trapping the island in a 'vicious cycle' that threatens both its residents' quality of life and its standing as a world-class tourist destination.

An investigation into the shadowy connections between organised crime and the rapid, often unregulated, property development boom in Phuket. This uncovers how illegal activities influence land use and environmental compliance.

PHUKET: Legal manoeuvres have once again stalled the demolition of the controversial Eva Beach project in Rawai, as a fresh lawsuit has forced the long-running case back before the Administrative Court.

Legal manoeuvres have once again stalled the demolition of the controversial Eva Beach project in Rawai, as a fresh lawsuit has forced the long-running case back before the Administrative Court. The dispute, stretching back more than a decade, centres on a vacation home development that Thailandʼs Supreme Administrative Court ruled in September 2023 was built unlawfully.

Supporting Phuket nature conservation initiatives helps protect vital habitats for gibbons and sea turtles.

The Phuket municipal landfill has reached its maximum capacity, signaling a critical point in the island's waste management crisis. Local authorities are urgently seeking alternative solutions to handle the growing volume of solid waste.

PHUKET: The Phuket Highways Office is inviting residents and stakeholders to attend a public meeting tomorrow (July 31) regarding a major road upgrade planned for Srisoonthorn Rd, from near the Heroines Monument all the way to Cherng Talay Police Station.

BANGKOK: The tourism confidence index in the second quarter plunged year-on-year, as tourism contracted since the beginning of the year due to safety concerns and cautious tourism spending following the US's decision to implement a reciprocal tariff policy, according to the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT).

Beyond Kata is among 35 hotels in Phuket vying for sustainability practices.

BANGKOK: Thailand needs to urgently address the freefall in foreign arrivals, which is more pronounced this quarter among both leisure and corporate travellers, by reforming the sector and creating new destinations, according to a former head of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

Phuket's real estate sector has long attracted foreign investors and holidaymakers, experiencing a significant boom in the post-pandemic era, driven by a resurgence in tourism. However, beneath this surface of vigorous growth, substantial concerns are emerging that could destabilise the market.

Poonsak Chanchampi, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Land, Natural Resources, and Environment, was recently in Phuket to inspect several project sites and investigate issues with the construction boom in Phuket. To Mr Poonsak, Phuket is suffering “major governance challenges”.

Phuket is facing a waste management crisis due to dramatic increase in tourists.

PHUKET: Local residents in the Pasak Soi 6 area of Cherng Talay have successfully pressured officials to review the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process of a proposed Nebu hotel project, citing concerns over transparency, environmental effects, and community well-being.

By the end of 2024, the island was generating up to 1,400 tonnes of trash a day, overwhelming its landfills.

Progressive eco-friendly developers collaborate in community initiative launching May 2025.

Progressive eco-friendly developers collaborate in community initiative launching May 2025.

This document is the English translation of the record of investigation from the Phuket Administrative Court, Case Number Sor. 1/2568, dated November 3, 2025. The case involves a group of plaintiffs, led by Mr. Paul Anthony Harlow, against the Committee of Experts for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in Phuket and other related parties. The core of the dispute centers on nine construction projects within an environmentally protected zone in Phuket.

PHUKET: Three Phuket mayors – Rawai Mayor Aroon Solos, Pa Khlok Mayor Panya Samphaorat and Juta Dumlak, Chief of the Kamala Tambon Administrative Organisation (OrBorTor) – are all currently fighting corruption charges in court, Phuket Vice Governor Ronnarong Thipsiri has confirmed.

The Royal Gazette marks a shift toward balanced development in Phukets protected areas.

New regulations require comprehensive environmental impact assessments for major development projects.

Not one of Phuket's leading figures are willing to propose a temporary ban on any new construction, similar to what local residents in Bali are calling for, to help preserve Phuket's fast-disappearing green areas. The article is a PDF from The Phuket News, re-hosted by Layan Environmental.

OPINION: Phuket has recently hit the headlines as amongst the top 10 overcrowded places on the planet to visit in 2023. Despite the faulty fundamental premise of the key report, it is undeniable that Phuket is suffering from overtourism issues.

There's a growing fear that the Phuket property market is teetering on the edge of a slump, with the very real possibility of a crash looming large. While the rest of Thailand is already grappling with a downturn, Phuket has managed to remain somewhat insulated, but cracks are starting to show.

The recent revelation by Thailand's Agency for Real Estate Affairs (AREA) that a staggering 1.3 million residential units sit vacant nationwide, raises a critical question: How does this impact Phuket?

PHUKET: MaAnn Samran, the former Chief of the Cherng Talay Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor), has been sentenced to two years' imprisonment for corruption without the option of parole.

The Phuket Administrative Court has accepted the case filed by the Layan community, marking a significant step in their legal action.