An Inflation Tale in Two Countries Article At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, the global community anticipated a recession as a result of industry closures. However, COVID-19 has only been one of many factors contributing to a wider economic slowdown of late. Thailand and the Philippines have both recorded rising inflation, but are on divergent paths in managing it for their populations. By Eunice Barbara C. Novio
Restoring Bee Populations with Community and Natural Farming Article A seminar and workshop entitled “Restoring the Lives of the Bees… with Community and Natural Agricultural Ways” was held on 24 September 2022 at the Growing Diversity Park (BIOTHAI), Nonthaburi. By Panus Danpitakkul
Jungle Wisdom Article A trek in Thailand reveals the secrets of the jungle and the heart of a people. By Vincent Vichit-Vadakan
Growing Coffee for Sustainable Agriculture: Pangkhon Village in Chiang Rai Article Besides providing an income to local farmers, promoting the cultivation of Arabica coffee is one of the solutions to forest degradation in highland areas of northern Thailand. The village of Pangkhon in Chiang Rai province has environmentally and economically transformed as part of an initiative to grow coffee, but there are still climate-related challenges to address. By Sawang Meesaeng
Bangkok Naruemit Pride Parade 2022: Celebrating & Defending Equality for All Photo-essay Seen as the first official parade in many years also with strong support from the newly elected Bangkok Governor, thousands of people including women, men, LGBTIQ+ and non-binary community members joined the event on Silom Road on Sunday, 5 June 2022. By Chumaporn Taengkliang , Somsak Natthong and Notcease
Living in Flux at Ban Ta Mui: Perspectives from a Mekong Border Village Article The way of life at Ban Ta Mui on the Thai-Lao border is rapidly changing with ongoing development of the Mekong River. Social and environmental impacts have been accumulating as large-scale hydropower and other projects take their toll. Can a policy shift towards biocultural rights and responsibilities reframe a renewed respect to nature, from dispossession to nourishing diversity and living in accordance with the true spirit of the Mekong River? By Rapichan Phurisamban
Quick & Easy Choices to Avoid Plastic Article Quick and Easy Choices to Avoid Plastic: The best way to deal with waste is not to create it in the first place. Each year, almost 30 million tonnes of solid waste is generated in Thailand. In Bangkok alone, more than 10.000 tonnes of trash is collected each day, approximately 20% is plastic waste. With a little bit of consciousness, you can already make a big difference - quick and easy! And if you do create trash, be responsible and separate, because sorting is key! By Thorsten Volberg and Tikka Hun
“In Thailand’s Future, I Want to See a Circular Economy Come True.” Interview Is plastic a topic that is also discussed among youth in Thailand? What to expect from politicians and why should consumer culture change? Chompupischaya Saiboonyadis shares how she got into environmental activism and what needs to be done about plastic pollution, waste management and the circular economy. By Chompupischaya Saiboonyadis and Thorsten Volberg
“It’s Not All Pretty”: Campus’ Zero Waste in Thailand Faces Rough Path Article Campus zero waste programs are a popular way to raise awareness about environmental issues and lifestyle choices with university students. At one campus in Thailand, former student Nicha Wachpanich digs deeper to show how students, staff and the university have different stakes in the waste problem. By Nicha Wachpanich
Short and Long-Term Solutions to Bangkok’s Ever-Growing Vulnerability to Floods and Other Climate Risks Article Ten years ago, Thailand faced its worst ever flooding which killed over 800 and caused over US$45 billion in damage. The floods inundated large swathes of Bangkok and the surrounding areas for two months. This year Thailand once again experienced widespread flooding, affecting over one million and killing nine people. By Danny Marks