Thailand’s regulatory framework on waste management has its foundation in the Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality Act, B.E. 2535 (1992), which lays down fundamental principles for waste management practices. However, the management of specific types of waste is governed by distinct legislative acts:
Public Health Act, B.E. 2535 (1992), oversees the collection, transport or disposal of municipal waste, placing responsibility on local governments.
Factory Act, B.E. 2535 (1992), regulates the management of industrial waste within the factory area.
Hazardous Substance Act, B.E. 2535 (1992), governs the trading and transportation of industrial hazardous waste.
In alignment with these policies, the Thai Government formulates strategic plans, providing targeted strategies for waste management over defined periods. In recent years, the concept of EPR has garnered increased attention and has been continuously promoted as a means to enhance waste management, particularly for plastics.
The Thailand’s Roadmap on Plastic Waste Management 2018-2030 marked the government’s first action plan geared towards addressing the problem of plastics waste throughout its life cycle. The roadmap is divided into three phases, commencing in 2019, 2022, and 2027, respectively, with the ultimate objective of achieving a 100 percent rate of plastics recycling in line with the circular economy concept.
The Bio-Circular-Green Economy Action Plan (2021-2027) lays the foundation for a transition into a circular economy, including for plastics, that promotes the sustainability of biological resources in Thailand. Additionally, the 13th National Economic and Social Development Plan (2023- 2027) underscores the adoption of EPR principle to drive private investments, aiming to improve production processes and service efficiency.
Furthermore, the 2nd National Waste Management Master Plan (2022- 2027) included the application of EPR for low-recycling-rate plastic products through pilot groups, along with the development of laws covering the overall product lifecycle. Additionally, the Action Plan on Plastic Waste Management Phase II (2023-2027) outlines the implementation of EPR for plastic packaging, focusing on piloting with non-recyclable plastic products or those subject to restrictions on recycling.
Table 1. Summary of policies, plans, and regulations related to EPR for packaging in Thailand.
Policies, Plans, and Regulations | Promulgation Date | Status |
Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality Act, B.E. 2535 (1992) | 29 March 1992 | In effect |
Thailand’s Roadmap on Plastic Waste Management 2018-2030 | 2018 | In effect |
Bio-Circular-Green Economy Plan (2021-2027) | 2021 | In effect |
The 13th National Economic and Social Development Plan (2023- 2027) | 2022 | In effect |
The Second National Waste Management Master Plan (2022- 2027) | 2022 | In effect |
Action Plan on Plastic Waste Management Phase II (2023-2027) | 2023 | In effect |
In an effort to further reinforce the integration of EPR policies into its legal framework, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) entrusted Mae Fah Luang University with drafting a Draft Sustainable Packaging Management Act (“Draft Packaging Act“) in 2023. By adopting the EPR principle, this Act seeks to involve the industry in managing packaging throughout its life cycle, alleviating the burden of local administrations which have traditionally been responsible for managing used packaging through the municipal solid waste system. In March 2024, the Pollution Control Department of MoNRE posted the Draft Packaging Act, which is set to be enacted in 2027. The complete timeline of EPR Implementation in Thailand is detailed in the table below, as outlined in the Action Plan on Waste Management Phase II (2023-2027).
Table 2. The EPR Implementation Timeline in the Action Plan on Plastic Waste Management Phase II (2023-2027)
Planned activities | Year | ||||
2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 | |
Appoint a committee and a working group on packaging management according to circular economy and EPR principles | / |
|
|
|
|
Establish developmental framework for packaging waste management mechanisms based on EPR principles, covering definition, guidelines, for establishment and operation of Producer Responsibility Organizations and relevant regulations | / |
|
|
|
|
Implement pilot projects on EPR for target plastic products | / | / |
|
|
|
Disseminate knowledge and raise awareness on packaging management among producers, importers, brand owners, online sellers (e-commerce), collectors (private sectors/organizations and local government organizations) and the public | / | / | / | / | / |
With the intention of achieving EPR implementation that fits the country's context by 2027, the Thailand Institute of Packaging and Recycling Management for Sustainable Environment (TIPMSE) is currently implementing an EPR model. This model involves 10 local administrative offices in Chonburi Province, which has been selected as the pilot city. The program was launched in January 2024.
Thailand’s regulatory framework on waste management has its foundation in the Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality Act, B.E. 2535 (1992), which lays down fundamental principles for waste management practices. However, the management of specific types of waste is governed by distinct legislative acts:
Public Health Act, B.E. 2535 (1992), oversees the collection, transport or disposal of municipal waste, placing responsibility on local governments.
Factory Act, B.E. 2535 (1992), regulates the management of industrial waste within the factory area.
Hazardous Substance Act, B.E. 2535 (1992), governs the trading and transportation of industrial hazardous waste.
In alignment with these policies, the Thai Government formulates strategic plans, providing targeted strategies for waste management over defined periods. In recent years, the concept of EPR has garnered increased attention and has been continuously promoted as a means to enhance waste management, particularly for plastics.
The Thailand’s Roadmap on Plastic Waste Management 2018-2030 marked the government’s first action plan geared towards addressing the problem of plastics waste throughout its life cycle. The roadmap is divided into three phases, commencing in 2019, 2022, and 2027, respectively, with the ultimate objective of achieving a 100 percent rate of plastics recycling in line with the circular economy concept.
The Bio-Circular-Green Economy Action Plan (2021-2027) lays the foundation for a transition into a circular economy, including for plastics, that promotes the sustainability of biological resources in Thailand. Additionally, the 13th National Economic and Social Development Plan (2023- 2027) underscores the adoption of EPR principle to drive private investments, aiming to improve production processes and service efficiency.
Furthermore, the 2nd National Waste Management Master Plan (2022- 2027) included the application of EPR for low-recycling-rate plastic products through pilot groups, along with the development of laws covering the overall product lifecycle. Additionally, the Action Plan on Plastic Waste Management Phase II (2023-2027) outlines the implementation of EPR for plastic packaging, focusing on piloting with non-recyclable plastic products or those subject to restrictions on recycling.
Table 1. Summary of policies, plans, and regulations related to EPR for packaging in Thailand.
Policies, Plans, and Regulations | Promulgation Date | Status |
Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality Act, B.E. 2535 (1992) | 29 March 1992 | In effect |
Thailand’s Roadmap on Plastic Waste Management 2018-2030 | 2018 | In effect |
Bio-Circular-Green Economy Plan (2021-2027) | 2021 | In effect |
The 13th National Economic and Social Development Plan (2023- 2027) | 2022 | In effect |
The Second National Waste Management Master Plan (2022- 2027) | 2022 | In effect |
Action Plan on Plastic Waste Management Phase II (2023-2027) | 2023 | In effect |
In an effort to further reinforce the integration of EPR policies into its legal framework, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) entrusted Mae Fah Luang University with drafting a Draft Sustainable Packaging Management Act (“Draft Packaging Act“) in 2023. By adopting the EPR principle, this Act seeks to involve the industry in managing packaging throughout its life cycle, alleviating the burden of local administrations which have traditionally been responsible for managing used packaging through the municipal solid waste system. In March 2024, the Pollution Control Department of MoNRE posted the Draft Packaging Act, which is set to be enacted in 2027. The complete timeline of EPR Implementation in Thailand is detailed in the table below, as outlined in the Action Plan on Waste Management Phase II (2023-2027).
Table 2. The EPR Implementation Timeline in the Action Plan on Plastic Waste Management Phase II (2023-2027)
Planned activities | Year | ||||
2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 | |
Appoint a committee and a working group on packaging management according to circular economy and EPR principles | / |
|
|
|
|
Establish developmental framework for packaging waste management mechanisms based on EPR principles, covering definition, guidelines, for establishment and operation of Producer Responsibility Organizations and relevant regulations | / |
|
|
|
|
Implement pilot projects on EPR for target plastic products | / | / |
|
|
|
Disseminate knowledge and raise awareness on packaging management among producers, importers, brand owners, online sellers (e-commerce), collectors (private sectors/organizations and local government organizations) and the public | / | / | / | / | / |
With the intention of achieving EPR implementation that fits the country's context by 2027, the Thailand Institute of Packaging and Recycling Management for Sustainable Environment (TIPMSE) is currently implementing an EPR model. This model involves 10 local administrative offices in Chonburi Province, which has been selected as the pilot city. The program was launched in January 2024.
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