Attakorn urged the government to expedite measures addressing 'global heating,' pointing out that rising temperatures affect the health, labor, and quality of life of Thai people. Meanwhile, Orathai highlighted Phuket's problems with overflowing waste generating greenhouse gases and the risk of Haad Sai Kaew beach disappearing due to erosion.
At 12:30 p.m. on 22 Apr 2026 GMT+7, during a House of Representatives session, a motion was considered to establish a special committee (SC) to systematically study climate change management. Attakorn Sirilattayakorn, MP for Chachoengsao from the Kla Party, spoke, stating that Thailand is currently facing global heating with clear multi-dimensional impacts but lacks concrete solutions. Rising temperatures across northern, northeastern, central, and southern regions are affecting society, especially urban heat phenomena and inequalities in heat resilience among people. Whereas nights used to cool down, they now remain hot, causing prolonged heat accumulation.
Attakorn continued that data from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) shows urban temperatures rising approximately 1-3 degrees Celsius during the day and 5-10 degrees Celsius at night, leading to insufficient rest and direct impacts on health and quality of life. Moreover, urban structures dominated by concrete and buildings exacerbate heat retention, particularly affecting low-income individuals who cannot avoid the heat, unlike wealthier people who can use air conditioning or enclosed spaces to mitigate temperatures.
Attakorn also addressed labor impacts, citing International Labour Organization (ILO) data indicating that heat reduces working hours by over 2% and productivity by more than 20%, causing massive economic losses. Additionally, health problems from inadequate rest further impair long-term labor efficiency. He proposed the government urgently act on three fronts: public health care, managing reduced labor productivity without harming employment, and urban design that considers low-income populations.
"Neither the government nor the opposition can avoid this issue. This House of Representatives should be the starting point for devising solutions, assessing impacts, and planning future measures to reduce the hardships faced by our citizens from the sun and heat," Attakorn said. Attakorn stated this.
Meanwhile, Orathai Kerdsap, MP for Phuket from the Kla Party, spoke during the debate, noting that Phuket both contributes to and suffers from climate change impacts. She raised two key issues: the landfill problem and the erosion of Haad Sai Kaew beach. Phuket’s landfill, in use since 1995, can handle only 700 tons of waste daily, while actual waste amounts to 1,300-1,500 tons daily, resulting in an accumulation of over 1.2 million tons. Sixty percent of this is organic waste that emits methane, a greenhouse gas 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Furthermore, a landfill fire occurred before Songkran, likely caused by accumulated gases, rapidly releasing greenhouse gases and affecting nearby communities.
Additionally, the coastal erosion at Haad Sai Kaew is severe, with an average erosion rate of 2.64-2.87 meters per year and a recorded single event eroding 7.3 meters. This has caused pine trees to fall and seawater to flood roads, complicating transportation. Although sand-trapping wooden structures have been built, they lack sustainability as waves damage them. She proposed studying the use of Tetrapod structures to prevent coastal erosion, ensuring ecological suitability.
"This motion should not only focus on preventative studies but also encompass solutions to existing problems to preserve Phuket’s environment, communities, and economy over the long term," Orathai said. Orathai said this.