Bangkok, 28 February 2025 – Tara Buakamsri is stepping down as the Country Director of Greenpeace Thailand after co-founding the organization and leading environmental campaigns for 25 years. As Greenpeace Thailand moves into its next chapter, a new leadership team will take the helm to continue the fight for climate justice and environmental rights. Tara also reaffirms his commitment to lend support to Greenpeace Thailand’s mission.
As a co-founder of Greenpeace Southeast Asia in 2000, Tara played a pivotal role in holding those in power accountable for stopping environmental destruction and enhancing public discourse in Thailand. He worked closely with campaign teams and activists to investigate, document, and take confrontative action to expose the root causes of environmental injustice. Under his leadership, Greenpeace Thailand achieved the following key collective milestones: halting GMO papaya field trial to protect Thailand’s food system from genetic pollution, advocating for a coal phaseout and transition to clean and just renewable energy system, pushing the world’s largest seafood industry to clean up its supply chains, and championing the #RightToCleanAir movement.
“Greenpeace has been campaigning and standing for environmental justice in Thailand for 25 years, driven by the power of the public, the support of donors, the spirit of activists and volunteers, and the courage of the young generation,” said Tara Buakamsri. “I firmly believe that there can be no ‘sustainable environment’ without ‘social justice.’ In other words, a healthy democracy is a prerequisite for ensuring environmental rights and political rights, as well as for guaranteeing people’s access to healthcare, education, food, justice, and other fundamental rights—a truly healthy environment.”
To continue advancing its environmental campaigning mission, Wiriya Kingwatcharapong will take on a new role as the Country Representative of Greenpeace Thailand, while Anchalee Phipattanawatanakul, Campaigns Leader of Greenpeace Thailand, will play a key role in shaping strategies and refining campaign approaches to achieve more concrete results. The focus will be on fostering public and multi-stakeholder engagement, presenting policy solutions, and promoting environmentally and socially just alternatives.
Greenpeace is an independent organization dedicated to environmental advocacy, striving to change mindsets and behaviors, protect the environment, and promote peace.
Contact:
Somrudee Panasudtha Media Campaigner, Greenpeace Thailand
Tel.: 081 929 5747 Email.: [email protected]
