The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is confident in Thailand’s ability to achieve its plastic recycling goals by 2027. Thalerngsak Phetsuwan, the ministry’s deputy permanent secretary, emphasized that these efforts are integral to the government’s broader strategy to curb plastic consumption as outlined in the plastic waste management roadmap for 2018-2030.
Addressing concerns over the proliferation of single-use plastics, Mr. Thalerngsak underscored the importance of collaboration with the private sector to produce recyclable plastic materials. It is anticipated that this collaboration will lead to the gradual disappearance of single-use thin plastic bags from the market, given their recycling limitations.
The Department of Pollution Control is actively developing legislation to facilitate plastic recycling, aligning with the government’s bio-circular green economy policy. Despite challenges such as landfill shortages and increasing waste volume, Mr. Thalerngsak expressed confidence in Thailand’s readiness for green recycling technology and highlighted the ban on importing plastic waste as a step towards reducing domestic plastic scrap.
Pavich Kesavawong, deputy director-general of the Department of Climate Change and Environment, echoed the commitment to reducing plastic waste through initiatives such as partnering with franchised coffee shops and restaurants to phase out plastic goods. This collaborative effort, to be officially announced on Earth Day, underscores Thailand’s dedication to environmentally friendly practices and sustainable development.
Earth Day, recognized by the United Nations Environment Programme, serves as a global platform to raise awareness of environmental issues. This year’s theme, “Planet vs Plastics,” aims to shed light on the plastic waste crisis and inspire collective action towards mitigating its impact.
