A survey by Marketbuzzz reveals that Thais have named pollution and other environmental issues as their top public concern for 2024, with 30% of respondents prioritising it, closely followed by rising prices at 28%.

 

Running annually since 2019, this survey highlights the growing unease about environmental issues among Thais, who also rank worries like corruption, healthcare, traffic congestion, crime, and the economy. 

 

An alarming 74% of the public now say environmental issues significantly impact their quality of life, up from 62% in 2022. Despite this concern, 37% believe the situation will worsen over the next five years.

 

Actions taken seem mismatched; only 37% avoid illicit products, 34% use less electricity, and 33% use more reusable bags and containers. The majority, however, are not making substantial lifestyle changes to help the environment.

 

Marketbuzzz CEO, Grant Bertoli, remarked that the environment, alongside rising prices, remains a major concern for Thailand. While it tops the list, making eco-friendly choices daily is still a challenge, indicating more effort is needed for sustainable living.

 

The survey noted that companies are stepping up their environmental efforts, with four—True, PTT, Samsung, and AIS—recognised by over 40% of respondents for their positive impact.

 

“Thais have mixed views on who should lead environmental efforts. While the government is expected to play a significant role, individuals are also seen as equally responsible. Thais clearly want change and are willing to be part of it,” Bertoli stated.

 

Key environmental concerns include global warming (30%), air pollution (27%), and climate change (22%). Causes of air pollution are varied, encompassing vehicle smog (30%), waste incineration (26%), use of foam/plastic containers (23%), harmful construction chemicals (22%), and fossil fuel emissions (21%).

 

Assistant Professor Dr Prapaporn Tivayanond Mongkhonvanit, Dean of the School of Global Studies at Thammasat University, commented, “Increasing awareness of environmental threats is heartening.

 

Our work includes educating future leaders to drive the social change needed to tackle these challenges. Practical steps are needed to empower both individuals and organisations to make sustainable choices.

 

Protecting our environment is a shared responsibility, and it is never too late to contribute to a sustainable future.”

 

Picture courtesy: MGR online

 

-- 2024-06-17

 

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I would have thought politics and corruption would have been top of their worries.

A decent forward thinking government would sort out all the other troubles.

stop burning waste would be a quick and easy leap in the right direction. corruption and economy are the real unsolvable problems for Thais

I can't think of one Thai person I know that thinks pollution is a problem.  It is more like an accepted way of life.

 

Now the economy is affecting lots of them.

5 hours ago, webfact said:

Marketbuzzz CEO, Grant Bertoli, remarked that the environment, alongside rising prices, remains a major concern for Thailand. While it tops the list, making eco-friendly choices daily is still a challenge, indicating more effort is needed for sustainable living.

 

The survey noted that companies are stepping up their environmental efforts, with four—True, PTT, Samsung, and AIS—recognised by over 40% of respondents for their positive impact.

 

 

Marketbuzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz obviously have a paid-for agenda here.

 

That's probably the whole purpose of these 'survey' agencies.

6 hours ago, webfact said:

Protecting our environment is a shared responsibility, and it is never too late to contribute to a sustainable future.”

True, but latest research found out that Thailand sits on huge amounts of Lithium. So what do you think will happen soon?😳

This is such a complex problem. A manufacturer makes a product that people don't reuse so the onus falls on the manufacturer - who does not sell directly to consumers - to take a major role in the cleanup. Never mind that consumers do not reuse or dispose of plastic waste correctly. 

On the other hand, a manufacturer who makes a product that definitely kills hundreds of thousands a year is never to blame. When was the last time a car manufacturer was censured for the deaths of people? Because it is ludicrous to blame them for building cars that can go 40km an hour faster than the legal speed limit?

Edited June 17, 20242 yr by Purdey

Can't read dribble that's obviously lies. I'm sure the number one concern for Thai people is the same for poor people around the world including the uk! Putting food on the table and paying bills. I support making more CO2 to help the plants grow. People are just so stupid. CO2 = life without it the earth dies. I would be happy with people picking up their litter and stop pollution. 

17 hours ago, webfact said:

only 37% avoid illicit products,

11 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

True, but latest research found out that Thailand sits on huge amounts of Lithium. So what do you think will happen soon?😳

Nonsense, Australia is the biggest producer of Lithium followed by Chile and China no mention of Thailand.

"Pollution" is a byproduct of "corruption", remove the latter to fix the former.

Nothing will ever be done.  Just pile in 40,60,80 million tourists if you can destroy the environment.  Money, money, money.

After buying a property (yes, I know, through my Thai wife), we agreed that the current occupant would remove junk, rubbish, cars, tires and all air cons at her expense. Today, when inspecting progress, the previous owner explained that the air cons were being removed right now. As I stood outside my house taking pictures, a guy in overalls used a large wrench to turn something next to the aircon. As a loud hiss noise filled the air, the dude in overalls ran away urgently, as refrigerant gas bellowed out of the unit. It was probably R- 22 Freon gas. It is illegal, even in Thailand, to vent refrigerant gas into the atmosphere as it contributes to global warning. Unfortunately, I inhaled quite a bit of it. When I told the previous owner that she needed to remove the air cons professionally, without letting the refrigerant gas escape into the atmosphere (there were six more to go), she asked: "What do you want me to do?" and then she walked off in disbelief. Yep, she must be one of the Thais who don't see the environment as a priority. Same as the dude who renovated my house in Cha-Am in 2014. My then wife said she'd handle everything. I arrived in Thailand six weeks after renovations had commenced. The builder had convinced my then wife to rip out the beautiful parquetry floor and replace them with cold, white tiles. As I drove up the road, I couldn't help but notice that someone had dumped parquetry floor and wooden windows by the side of the road that looked exactly like mine used to look. My ex then confirmed that he had to put them somewhere... which was at the side of the road.

I have many stories that will no doubt upset some people but I don't disclose them out of malice. These are the facts: most Thais don't care about the environment. Their actions speak volumes. If they cared, the beaches and sides of road would be clean. But they aren't.