BANGKOK,Thailand/Agency/ – Thailand stands as a significant contributor to global plastic pollution, grappling with staggering figures: an annual production of approximately 2 million tonnes of plastic waste, of which a mere 25 percent undergoes recycling. This rampant disposal crisis translates to an estimated 50,000 tonnes of plastic finding its way into the ocean each year. However, the predicament extends beyond domestic production woes.
Adding to the conundrum, Thailand has been importing substantial quantities of plastic waste, with a staggering 372,000 tonnes recorded in 2023 alone. This influx exacerbates an already overwhelmed recycling infrastructure. Faced with mounting environmental pressures, the Thai government has taken a decisive step forward.
In a bid to tackle the escalating crisis, the Thai government has announced plans to enact a ban on the importation of plastic waste by the year 2025. This proactive measure signals a pivotal shift towards mitigating the nation’s contribution to the global plastic pollution epidemic.
