Bangkok: The Thailand Environment Institute surveyed the environmental issues that Thai people were concerned about last year (2024), and found that the top 3 environmental issues that Thai people were concerned about were global warming, followed by the problem of improperly managed waste, PM2.5 problems in Bangkok, and the issue of loss of biodiversity, which came in 4th place. Most people viewed all environmental issues as interconnected and related, and if they did not receive cooperation in solving them, it would affect the management of natural resources and sustainable development going forward.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Wijarn Simaya, Director of the Thailand Environment Institute (TEI), compiled the results of a survey conducted by TEI in early January on important environmental issues in Thailand. It was found that the number one issue that Thais prioritize is global warming, which in 2024 will be the first year that the average global temperature will exceed pre-industrial levels by more than 1.5 degrees Celsius. Many people stated that the rising global temperature has caused other environmental impacts, such as weather fluctuations leading to natural floods, droughts, loss of ecosystems and biodiversity, and impacts on agricultural food sources and human health.
The problem of improperly managed waste is another priority for Thais, with 19.1% of respondents highlighting the issue. The survey revealed that 28-29 million tons of waste per year are not managed well, affecting not only the environment but also hygiene, health, the economy, and society. The lack of knowledge and understanding of proper waste separation at the source was identified as a contributing factor. The survey suggested that awareness should be raised and waste separation instilled from a young age, starting with schools and communities. It also emphasized the need for the government to implement a good management system and clear regulations, while promoting private investment in integrated waste management.
The third most important environmental problem in the survey is the issue of fine dust particles (PM2.5) in the Bangkok area, with 13.1% of respondents citing this concern. Traffic pollution, vehicle emissions, and agricultural burning are the primary causes, exacerbated by meteorological conditions that hinder air dispersal. The survey highlighted the long-term health impact of PM2.5 pollution on city residents and urged for urgent measures to reduce air pollution at various sources.
Loss of biodiversity was also considered a major problem by survey participants. Biodiversity is an important indicator of ecosystems and their abundance, and its decline indicates a breakdown of balance. The loss of biodiversity has broad impacts on food security and quality of life. Urban expansion, improper land management, and encroachment on forest and natural water catchment areas were identified as contributing factors. The survey called for appropriate management of areas, controlling use for residential, agricultural, and fisheries purposes.
The survey also explored major environmental events and problems in 2024 that people are interested in. It found that 15,000 tons of cadmium waste in a Samut Sakhon factory, the PM2.5 dust problem in the North, and plastic waste in the sea were significant issues. Other concerns included the flood situation in Chiang Rai Province, the encroachment of an alien species on Thailand’s Nan River, the death of a dugong in Trang Province, and chemical waste and a factory fire in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province.
Dr. Wicharn added that respondents believe all environmental problems are interconnected and require cooperation from everyone, not just one person or group or government agency. He suggested that relevant agencies, especially the government, should adopt strict and clear measures to manage issues according to their priority based on scientific data.
This survey was conducted by the Thai Environmental Institute via online channels on the institute’s social media and through various online systems for network partners who have been working together.