News

Efforts to achieve carbon neutrality in Phuket Old Town gain momentum

Published

6 months ago

September 28, 2024

A project to make Phuket Old Town carbon neutral and a zero-emission destination by 2065 is gaining momentum.

Bhummikitti Luktaengam, chairperson of the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation, led a team presentation of the “Phuket Old Town Carbon Neutral Project” at the 25th International Island Tourism Forum (ITOP), held Wednesday and Thursday (September 25-26) at the Pullman Karon Beach Phuket Resort.

The forum brought together more than 150 leaders and policymakers from islands around the world.

Kanrutai, Bhummikitti’s daughter and project coordinator, took to the stage to present data obtained during the first phase of the project. With real metrics, policies can be created to achieve specific results. Ms Kanrusey explained that the data was collected as part of a collaborative project between Phuket City, the Big Data Research Institute, the Region 15 Pollution Control Office and Prince of Songkla University Phuket Campus.

Data collection began after discussions with project partners in December last year. The purpose of the meeting was to explore how data technology could be used to assess the carbon footprint of the Old Town’s various activities.

Announced earlier this year, Ms Kanrusey outlined the goals of reducing carbon emissions by 30% by 2030, achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and achieving net zero emissions by 2065.

The starting point was an assessment of Phuket Old Town’s current greenhouse gas emissions. According to Ms Kanrusey, the greenhouse gas emissions from January to June 2024 are as follows:

1. Transportation, emissions 34,531 (KgCO2e)

2. Waste emissions amount to 12,529 (KgCO2e)

3. Wastewater emissions 36,513 (KgCO2e)

4. Electricity consumption emitted 442,259 (KgCO2e)

“As a result, a total of 525,832 (KgCO2e) was emitted in Phuket Old Town,” said Kanrutai.

Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) is a unit of measurement for the warming effect of greenhouse gases. Kg/CO2e is the exchange rate of carbon with other greenhouse gases.

The exchange rate expresses how many kilograms of carbon dioxide emitted over a period of time (usually 100 years) warm the climate as much as one kilogram of another greenhouse gas.

CO2e converts the effectiveness (how much infrared radiation each tonne of gas absorbs) and lifetime (how long each tonne of gas radiates heat back into the atmosphere) of one tonne of carbon dioxide emitted. CO2e allows observers to compare the impacts of different greenhouse gases and consider them as a single climate footprint, the Carbon Cloud website explains.

Ms. Kanrutai explained that Phuket Old Town now uses a system using AI and CCTV to estimate the number of cars and tourists moving through the area. “This data provides important information to assess the carbon footprint of the Old Town,” she said.

So far, the system has estimated that 334,592 people visit the Old Town every month, with approximately 13,428 people visiting the Old Town per day.

“Phuket Old Town generates 17 tons of solid waste every month, all of which is sent to the incinerator. After burning, this equates to greenhouse gas emissions of 29,575 kg CO2e,” she added.

Separation in bags

“The second solution that this project is addressing is waste management through the strategic use of three types of plastic bags in local stores,” Kanrusey also explained.

The bags can be distinguished by color:

Blue bags for trash for incineration

Green bags for organic waste

â¢ Yellow bags for recyclable materials

“These bags are intended to encourage residents to separate waste and dispose of it in the appropriate containers,” Kanrusey said. “Organic waste is converted into liquid fertilizer and processed using machines that produce gas to generate electricity.

“The separation of waste into different categories is now supported by young ambassadors who provide guidance and promote environmental awareness throughout Phuket Old Town,” she added.

The final part of the project is to promote the use of electric buses (EV buses) in Phuket city.

“These buses are an environmentally friendly alternative to diesel vehicles, helping to reduce emissions and improve air quality,” said Kanrusay.

Kanrusay noted that reducing carbon emissions brings economic and financial benefits. “By implementing this initiative, we aim to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 30 percent by 2030. In addition, we are expected to earn 24 million baht from emission allowances equivalent to 890 baht per kilogram of CO2e,” she said.

News

Thailand’s Railway Renaissance: Agencies Unite to Propel Innovation in Rail Transport

Published

21 hours ago

March 16, 2025

Wadi

Collaborative Efforts Spark Rail Revolution

RTRDA and SRT Join Forces

Thailand’s rail industry is undergoing a significant transformation as the Rail Technology Research and Development Agency (RTRDA) and the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) have formed a groundbreaking partnership. This collaboration aims to ignite local innovation and reduce dependency on foreign technology imports, marking a new era for the country’s railway system.

Advancing Domestic Capabilities

Fostering Homegrown Solutions

The alliance between RTRDA and SRT is set to revolutionize Thailand’s rail sector by promoting the development of indigenous technologies. This strategic move not only aims to enhance the nation’s railway infrastructure but also to cultivate a robust local industry capable of competing on a global scale.

Technological Leap Forward

Implementing Cutting-Edge Systems

As part of this initiative, advanced technologies for inspection, analysis, and maintenance of rail infrastructure will be introduced. These innovations are expected to significantly boost efficiency, improve safety standards, and minimize the risk of accidents across Thailand’s rail network.

International Partnerships Complement Local Efforts

Leveraging Global Expertise

While focusing on domestic capabilities, Thailand is also engaging with international partners to accelerate its progress. Recent collaborations with Italian firm Nplus S.r.l. and Japan’s Railway Technical Research Institute (RTRI) demonstrate the country’s commitment to adopting best practices and state-of-the-art technologies from around the world.

Economic Impact and Competitiveness

Boosting National Infrastructure

The concerted efforts to enhance Thailand’s rail system are anticipated to have far-reaching economic benefits. By elevating its rail infrastructure to international standards, Thailand aims to improve its overall competitiveness, attract investment, and stimulate economic growth across various sectors.

Future Outlook

Paving the Way for Sustainable Growth

This collaborative approach to rail innovation sets the stage for sustainable development in Thailand’s transportation sector. As these initiatives unfold, they promise not only to transform the country’s rail network but also to create new oppo

News

Pawn Shops See Surge in Gold and Mobile Phone Transactions in 2024

Published

21 hours ago

March 16, 2025

Wadi

Record-Breaking Year for Pawn Industry

1.3 Million Items Pawned Nationwide

The pawn shop industry experienced a remarkable year in 2024, with a staggering 1.3 million items being pawned across the United States. This surge in transactions highlights the growing importance of pawn shops in providing short-term financial solutions for many Americans.

Gold Remains a Valuable Asset

Precious Metal Tops Pawning Charts

Among the items pawned, gold consistently ranked as one of the most popular choices. The enduring value of gold, coupled with its easy-to-assess nature, makes it an attractive option for both pawnbrokers and customers seeking quick loans.

Mobile Phones: A Modern Pawning Trend

Smartphones Become Liquid Assets

Alongside gold, mobile phones, particularly high-end smartphones, have emerged as a top category in pawn transactions. The rapid technological advancements and high resale value of these devices contribute to their popularity in the pawn market.

Economic Factors Driving Pawn Shop Growth

Short-Term Loans Meet Immediate Needs

The increase in pawning activity reflects broader economic trends, with many individuals turning to pawn shops for quick access to cash. This trend underscores the role of pawn shops in providing financial alternatives during times of economic uncertainty.

Digital Transformation in Pawn Industry

Online Platforms Expand Market Reach

Pawn shops are increasingly adopting digital platforms, allowing for online appraisals and transactions. This technological shift has expanded the reach of pawn services, attracting a new demographic of tech-savvy customers.

Future Outlook for Pawn Shops

Continued Growth Expected in Coming Years

As the pawn shop market continues to evolve, industry experts predict sustained growth. With a projected market size of over $50 billion by 2031, pawn shops are poised to play an increasingly significant role in the alternative financial services sector.

News

Bangkok Expressway Disaster: Tragic Collapse Causes Major Traffic Disruptions

Published

21 hours ago

March 16, 2025

Wadi

Catastrophic Failure

Deadly Incident

A devastating collapse of an under-construction expressway in Bangkok has resulted in multiple fatalities and severe traffic congestion. The incident occurred on Saturday, March 15, 2025, when a concrete beam of the Rama III-Dao Khanong-Bangkok Outer Western Ring Road expressway project collapsed onto the existing Chalerm Maha Nakhon expressway in the Dao Khanong area.

Casualties and Injuries

Human Toll

The collapse claimed the lives of at least seven individuals, including workers and an engineer. Additionally, over 20 people sustained injuries, with some still trapped beneath the debris. Rescue efforts are ongoing, utilizing specialized equipment and search dogs to locate survivors.

Traffic Impact

Commuter Chaos

The collapse has severely damaged the Chalerm Maha Nakhon expressway ramp, a crucial link to Rama II Road, the main southbound highway. This has led to significant traffic disruptions, with authorities predicting severe congestion, especially for Monday commuters.

Recovery Timeline

Phased Reopening

Surachet Laophulsuk, governor of the Expressway Authority of Thailand (Exat), estimates that debris removal will take approximately seven days. The inbound side of the affected ramp may reopen within this period. However, the outbound side suffered more extensive damage, requiring beam replacement and an estimated 30 days for complete restoration.

Alternative Routes

Detour Recommendations

Transport authorities are advising motorists to seek alternative routes to mitigate the impact of the closure. The damaged section, which connects to the Rama IX Bridge linking Bangkok and Thon Buri across the Chao Phraya River, plays a crucial role in the city’s transportation network.

Investigation and Accountability

Cause Analysis

Preliminary investigations suggest that unstable soil conditions may have contributed to the collapse. Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause and identify those responsible. The contractors involved have been suspended for 14 days pending the investigation’s outcome.

Safety Concerns

Recurring Issues

This incident highlights ongoing safety concerns in Thailand’s construction industry, particularly along the Rama II Road corridor. The area has a history of prolonged construction timelines and frequent accidents, prompting calls for stricter safety measures and regulations.

Government Response

Policy Changes

In response to the tragedy, the transportation ministry is developing new regulations aimed at suspending contractors found liable for construction accidents and potentially blacklisting them from future government projects. This move seeks to enhance accountability and improve safety standards in the construction sector.