Thailand Halts Plastic Waste Imports, Aims to Curb Pollution Crisis

[snoop1130]

File photo for reference only

 

Thailand has taken a landmark step in battling toxic pollution by implementing a ban on the import of plastic waste from January 1. Joining the ranks of regional neighbours like Malaysia and Vietnam, this move aligns with efforts to mitigate the global waste crisis accelerated by China's 2018 National Sword policy.

 

The regulation, introduced by the Department of Foreign Trade, is stringent, allowing only rare exceptions where imported plastic is essential for production as a raw material. Environmentalists have celebrated this as a major victory, though they stress the importance of vigilant enforcement.

 

Penchom Sae-Tang, head of a prominent environmental NGO, underscored the need for strict oversight, warning against factories potentially burning imported waste, a practice detrimental to public health and the environment.

 

In the wake of China's ban, Thailand had become a primary destination for plastic waste from developed countries, resulting in significant pollution challenges. The new legislation aims to improve waste management, reduce environmental harm, and support sustainable development.

 

 

Plastic pollution remains a critical concern globally, with microplastics infiltrating soil, water, and air, threatening ecosystems and human health. The ban aligns with international efforts to craft a globally binding treaty on plastic management. Despite broad support from over 100 nations, negotiations face delays due to resistance from some oil-producing countries. Proponents highlight the need for innovation in recycling and stricter policies to curb reliance on virgin plastics.

 

Thailand's daily solid waste production was pegged at roughly 68,434 tonnes in 2021, translating to around 1.03 kilogrammes per person each day. The country is a significant contributor to marine plastic debris, with thousands of tonnes leaking into the oceans annually, impacting marine life along its extensive coastline.

 

With this ban, Thailand aims not only to staunch the flow of foreign plastic waste but also reaffirm its commitment to combating environmental degradation.

 

-- 2025-01-10

 

 

[MikeandDow]

This is a good move for Thailand, Pity they are behind regional neighbours like Malaysia and Vietnam, should have done this a long time ago !!

[Emdog]

No need to import plastic waste: Thailand has reached it's pollution target via domestic trashing ahead of schedule.

Around pandemic time Thailand banned plastic bags usage at 7/11s and similar store. That lasted about 3 months. Was the law ever repealed? Rare to see people bringing their own bags. I guess rationale of government is that Thais have saved enough of the earth so now back to trashing as usual

[Rooo]

Why import? Just come and clean some of the beaches down south, covered in plastic trash.