Environment and natural resources

The Thai Junta’s latest order looks set to speed up 62 development projects in Thailand as it allows key preparations for implementation pending a proper environmental impact assessment (EIA). Various government figures on 10 March chorused that the order, issued by the National Council for Peace and ...

Yangon residents in Myanmar need not worry about a water shortage in the commercial capital this summer, said the Yangon City Development Committee. “Although it is expected to be hot this year, we will store more water in our reservoirs than in previous years,” said Myo ...

Thailand’s grassroots network has lashed out at the use of special powers to “fast track” mandatory environmental impact assessments for mega projects.  A network of 46 civic groups, including Sueb Nakhasathien Foundation and the Stop Global Warming Association, issued a statement on 9 March, calling on ...

The ongoing nationwide crackdown on illegal logging in Cambodia has produced another pair of high-profile busts touted by the national military police. On 9 March, alleged smugglers in Stung Treng were busted attempting to sneak three tractor-loads of luxury wood into Laos. The day before, some 10,000 cubic ...

The Thai government is putting drinking water on the special price control list to protect consumers in the face of the drought. Wiboonlasana Ruamraksa, director-general of the Internal Trade Department, said authorities were closely monitoring the impact of the drought, which has arrived earlier this year. Keep reading ...

The ASEAN Community, which is expected to need more sources of energy in the near future, relies too much on hydropower for electricity, local and international experts said at a recent conference held in Ho Chi Minh City. Speaking at the conference held by the UBM ...

Earth Hour, a World Wild Fund initiative aiming at raising awareness about climate change and the energy sector, kicked off on 5 March at the University of Science and Technology in Hanoi.This year’s event was organised by the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Danish ...

Massive fish die-offs in many regions across the country recently have raised a big question about how local authorities should mitigate water pollution in aquaculture breeding areas.Last month, more than 1,000 tonnes of fish raised in cages along the Cai Vung River in the southern ...

Hanoi air pollution is at hazardous levels, threatening the health of those with respiratory diseases and endangering public health in general, according to Air Quality Index statistics.The index is published on the website  and provides real time air quality and pollution monitoring of cities worldwide. Keep ...

The recently formed anti-illegal logging committee has issued 10 warrants against alleged illegal timber traders since it began its crackdown in January, officials have confirmed, although the details of those accused and the charges they face remain under wraps. The committee’s spokesperson Eng Hy said on ...