News

4 June 2021 | Press release of Arnika and EARTH 

BANGKOK/PRAGUE – In recognition of World Environment Day 2021, the NGOs EARTH (1,3) and Arnika (2,3) have called for an end to hazardous waste exports and dirty recycling industries through the universal ratification of the Basel Ban Amendment (4). As the world enters the UN decade of ecosystem restoration, pollution from dirty recycling continues to devastate local environments and health around the world. Without universal ratification of the Basel Ban Amendment, this problem will continue.

Special Report by EARTH | October 2020

On April 11, 2017, the "Nam Pu subdistrict" made headlines in many media outlets as three local representatives from Nam Pu subdistrict, Muang district, in Ratchaburi province, filed a lawsuit against the Wax Garbage Recycle Center Company Limited for violating the Environmental Quality and Promotion Act 1992. The company has operated nine factories, along with a recycling shop called “Pong Charoen”, within a total area of approximately 300 rai (one rai is equal to 0.16 hectares) located next to Nam Pu creek, which is the main water source for the local people in Nam Pu subdistrict and the vicinity for both household consumption and agricultural purposes.

PRESS RELEASE: IPEN & NTN | 27 April 2021

Escalating Chemical Production Threatens Aquatic Food Chain

GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN - Increasing levels of chemical and plastic pollution are major contributors to declines in the world’s fish populations and other aquatic organisms, according to a new report released today. The report is the first to bring together in one place the latest scientific research demonstrating how chemical pollution is adversely impacting the aquatic food chain that supports all life on earth.

EARTH & ARNIKA 06 April 2021

BANGKOK / PRAGUE - Pollution of air, soil and food chain reach extreme levels in Thailand, as shown by the long term measurements conducted by environmental organizations Ecological Alert and Recovery Thailand (EARTH) and Arnika ⁽¹⁾. NGOs and communities affected now ask the authorities to introduce a mandatory system to monitor emissions of harmful substances from industrial plants and factories. Data should be reported in a Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR) - an effective mechanism of public control that has proved its worth in reducing pollution in European countries and has contributed to the safety of communities.

Bangkok Post 28 February 2021 | Nicha Wachpanich

Long-running environmental saga no closer to a happy resolution

Pollution in Klity Creek in the deep forest of Kanchanaburi province has been a health and environmental threat for villagers who relied for water consumption for decades. Three years ago, authorities launched a cleanup -- the first state-supervised environmental cleanup in Thailand. This series aims to explore how it is going.

Prachatai 24 February 2021 | Yiamyut Sutthichaya

A look at the recycling industry in Thailand from top to bottom. Despite its important role in recycling waste in the country, it still faces various limitations and vulnerabilities that are only understood by those on the inside.

Thai PBS World 10 February 2021

A network of about 40 civic groups and local organizations in Thailand’s eastern province of Chanthaburi is voicing strong opposition to the granting of approval for gold exploration by a mining company.

Bangkok Post 29 January 2021 | Lamonphet Apisitniran

Up to 600 factories nationwide are being ordered to closely monitor their emissions to better curb air pollutants as the Industry Ministry steps up efforts to cope with PM2.5 ultra-fine dust, now blanketing most parts of Bangkok.

The mandatory requirement, with a maximum fine of 200,000 baht for violators, will be enforced under a new ministerial law expected to take effect next year, according to the ministry.

Rising Nepal Daily 24 January 2021 | Binu Shrestha

Baby powders, one of the most widely used cosmetics, are alleged to contain cancer-causing asbestos.  Several investigations and scientific researches provide evidence after evidence that exposure to asbestos-tainted talcum powder may cause malignant mesothelioma, a rare and deadly cancer that affects tissues lining internal organs.

PRESS RELEASE | 29 December 2020

BANGKOK/PRAGUE – The Pollution Control Department has lately stepped up for a decisive legal action against the polluting factory Win Process Company. This comes after a decade of numerous complaints about the impacts of leaked toxic chemicals that polluted the local farmland and crops in Nong Phawa, Ban Khai District, Rayong Province, Thailand. The pollution had very negative effects on the livelihood of local communities. This case shows that it is necessary to demand for Pollutant Release and Transfer Register^[1].