Report Bangkok Intensifies "Operation Anti-Grease Blockage" to Streamline Drainage

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In a bid to enhance Bangkok's drainage efficiency and reduce the risk of blockages, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has ramped up efforts under its "Operation Anti-Grease Blockage." This initiative focuses on conducting meticulous inspections of grease management in restaurants and promoting the use of DIY grease traps in households.

 

Aekvarunyoo Amrapala, Assistant Secretary to the Governor of Bangkok and BMA Spokesman, detailed the initiative's progress, noting that City Hall officials have been actively inspecting grease traps across food establishments. This proactive approach aligns with the Bangkok Act on food and beverage establishments BE 2565 (2022), which mandates food vendors to separate grease before discharging wastewater.

 

The legislation requires all vendors, including restaurants, cafés, and canteens, to implement effective grease separation methods, such as grease traps or pits, to adhere to national environmental quality laws. Failure to comply could result in penalties of up to 50,000 baht in fines and/or imprisonment for six months, as stipulated by the Public Health Act BE 2535 (1992).

 

Between March and May 2023, inspections surpassed expectations, covering 15,975 establishments—exceeding the target of 15,902. Impressively, 97.38% of these establishments met the required standards. However, 2.62% were found lacking adequate grease management systems. As a consequence, BMA issued closure orders for 46 non-compliant businesses in the Din Daeng District, while 371 others rectified their issues to meet compliance standards.

 

In addition to focusing on commercial establishments, the BMA is encouraging households to construct DIY grease traps from easily available materials. This effort is aimed at preventing domestic grease from entering the city's drainage systems, thereby facilitating smoother water flow and mitigating the risk of floods.

 

By addressing both commercial and domestic sources of grease buildup in drainage systems, the BMA hopes to significantly reduce blockages and improve Bangkok's overall water management infrastructure. This comprehensive approach not only aligns with environmental regulations but also serves as a proactive measure to maintain urban sanitation and bolster flood prevention strategies.
 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-06-09