Showing 1 - 10 of 11
Taking on Bangkok's punishing heat
Oped, Danny Marks, Published on 03/05/2024
» As scorching temperatures blanket Thailand, setting new records in several regions, Bangkok and its outskirts are enduring the full force of the relentless heatwave. Bangkok sizzled under a heat index exceeding 52C on Tuesday, a measure that combines temperature and humidity to reflect how hot it actually feels. Tragically, heat-related fatalities in the country have reached 30 this year alone. A recent study reveals the unequal impact of urban heat intensity on Bangkok's residents, with lower-income individuals facing heightened heat stress during daily activities and rest.
Thailand shows lack of commitment at COP26
News, Danny Marks, Published on 08/11/2021
» In the past decade, climate-related extreme weather events have wreaked havoc upon Thailand. Ten years ago, Thailand faced its worst ever flooding which killed more than 800 and caused over 1.4 trillion baht in damage.
Transboundary haze control lacks political will
Oped, Danny Marks, Published on 13/03/2021
» In January, I wrote about the effects of agricultural burning upon Bangkok, and now I want to address the problem in Chiang Mai. Earlier this week residents there suffered the worst air pollution in the entire world, with PM2.5 at very unhealthy levels. The pollution is responsible for already over 30,000 people visiting hospitals for respiratory illnesses this year.
Why farmers continue to burn despite city smog
News, Danny Marks, Published on 16/01/2021
» Unfortunately, Bangkok's awful smog continues unabated -- PM2.5 levels daily reach unhealthy levels in many of the city's districts. The timing is inconvenient because research suggests there are increased rates of Covid-19 in areas with high levels of air pollution. A couple of weeks ago I wrote about how vehicular emissions is one of the major sources of Bangkok's air pollution.
Drive less to help solve Bangkok's air pollution
Oped, Danny Marks, Published on 23/12/2020
» After a short break from smog due to an abrupt change in the weather pattern, with winds blowing away fine dust particles, known as PM2.5, Bangkok residents are bracing for smog, which will be worse during Christmas and probably New Year. If last year's air problems are a guide, the smog is expected to remain until February.
2011 flood lessons go unheeded
Oped, Danny Marks, Published on 25/03/2020
» Almost 10 years ago, the Thai government faced another huge crisis and unnatural disaster: the 2011 floods which killed over 800 and caused over US$45 billion (1.5 trillion baht) in damage. The damage and losses would have been significantly lower if the Yingluck Shinawatra government had responded more effectively. While the responses needed to the coronavirus certainly differ from a mega-flood, there are numerous lessons that the current Prayut Chan-o-cha government can learn from the mistakes made during the floods and thus how to best handle a crisis. But have they?
Capital's shrimp farmers drowning in wastewater
News, Danny Marks, Published on 14/01/2020
» If you recently ate fresh seafood in Bangkok, there's a good chance some of it came from Bangkok itself. The idea that seafood is cultivated in a city considered a concrete jungle might be surprising. But Bangkok's district of Bang Khunthian touches the Gulf of Thailand and in Bang Khunthian's sub-district, Tha Kam, the vast majority of land is used to farm seafood, particularly shrimp. A district officer estimates that 70-80% of Bang Khunthian's residents are aquaculture farmers. Many have earned their livelihood through this means for generations.
What Thailand needs to do to kick its plastic addiction
News, Danny Marks, Published on 04/12/2018
» Today is plastic bag free day in Thailand. While this initiative is a good start, much more must be done. Last month, a dead whale was found in Indonesia with six kilogrammes of plastic in its stomach. In June, about 80 plastic bags were found inside the stomach of a dead whale in southern Thailand. Their deaths are stark reminders of a growing problem: marine plastic pollution.
No more coal power plants needed
News, Danny Marks, Published on 06/07/2016
» Last Thursday, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) confirmed that it will construct six new coal-fired power plants by 2025. On many levels, building these new power plants seems not to be a well thought-out plan.
After the floods, have lessons been learnt?
News, Danny Marks, Published on 05/12/2013
» While much of the media attention in Thailand is focused on the latest bout of "red-yellow" political tensions, it is worth remembering that about two years ago much of Central Thailand was submerged in floodwater, causing millions to suffer.