Thai Environment Day

Thai Environment Day falls on 4 December. Thailand's cabinet designated it in 1991 on a proposal from what was then the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment. The date honours the guidance of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great on managing natural resources and the environment.

The same day is also National Village Volunteers for Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Day, which recognises community networks that had spread to all 76 provinces by 2007.

The sea is a large part of Thailand's environment. Department of Marine and Coastal Resources figures reported in 2022 show 3,151 kilometres of coastline, 149,025 rai of coral with 280 species, 5 species of sea turtle, 261 dugongs, and 3,025 whales and dolphins.

Policy is moving too. In August 2026 the cabinet approved a national marine and coastal resources policy and plan that aims to conserve 30 per cent of Thailand's marine areas, in line with the global 30 by 30 goal.

To take part: join a volunteer group in your community, report injured marine animals to the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, and cut down on plastic when you visit the coast.

Thailand's environment also includes what we throw away. More than 50,000 tonnes of green mussel shells are discarded in Thailand each year. From Waste to Wonder at AVALON Artisan Gallery means reclaiming them as MyraShell and MyraGem.