Thailand Waste Management Challenges

With careful planning and collaboration among stakeholders, WtE could contribute significantly to sustainable waste management in Thailand.

by Tobias Scheithauer

Thailand faces significant waste management challenges due to rapid population growth and tourism, with rising waste volumes, especially in urban and tourist areas like Bangkok and Phuket. Despite generating around 27 million tons of waste annually, only a small portion undergoes thermal treatment, and most ends up in overloaded landfills, contributing to pollution and environmental hazards. Waste-to-Energy (WtE) technology is being promoted by the Thai government to reduce landfill dependency and generate energy, meeting the country’s growing energy demands. Initial projects show positive outcomes, and expansion of this approach is planned, although challenges remain regarding public acceptance, environmental impacts, and high investment costs.

Waste management responsibilities in Thailand are shared among multiple institutions. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) and its Pollution Control Department (PCD) oversee environmental regulations for incineration plants, focusing on the reduction of emissions. The Ministry of Interior and its Department of Local Administration (DLA) work closely with local governments and often collaborate with private operators through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), a model that helps distribute financial risks.

Public opposition to WtE plants is significant due to concerns over air pollution and health risks. Environmental activists advocate for waste reduction and recycling rather than incineration, suggesting that these approaches offer long term solutions to waste reduction and environmental protection. However, the government supports WtE as essential to addressing Thailand’s waste challenges.

Local operators, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, play a key role in implementing waste solutions tailored to regional needs, offering flexibility and building public trust. While financing remains challenging for smaller operators, PPPs help attract private investment. The technical development of WtE plants faces further obstacles such as inadequate data on waste composition and infrastructure challenges at rural sites.