Showing 1 - 10 of 15
Earth needs real action
Oped, Editorial, Published on 22/04/2025
» Today, countries across the globe mark Earth Day, an annual event aimed at demonstrating their commitment to protecting the environment. While Thailand is still plagued by a plethora of pollution-related problems, there are still reasons for Thais to remain optimistic.
Beef up plastic waste ban
Oped, Editorial, Published on 03/01/2025
» The new Commerce Ministry rule banning the import of plastic waste is welcome news for the environment. The regulation has been in force since Dec 17. However, it should have been mandated as early as 2021. The responsible ministries delayed its implementation for three years to allow recycling businesses that rely on imported plastic scrap to prepare, arguing these businesses require certain types of plastic waste to sustain operations.
Keep hemp free of cannabis law
Editorial, Published on 12/11/2023
» The controversial bill to regulate the use and production of marijuana and hemp is back on the parliamentary agenda. However, the Hmong hill tribe people want the law to leave hemp out, fearing it would jeopardise the age-old use of hemp in their culture and traditions. The government should listen to their concerns.
Get tough on plastics
News, Editorial, Published on 24/05/2023
» As the nation marked World Turtle Day on Tuesday, the caretaker administration made the decision to send Thai delegates to take part in the drafting of an international treaty to regulate the plastic industry, which will take place in Paris later this month.
Rivers need urgent care
Oped, Editorial, Published on 08/11/2022
» Today, Thailand celebrates Loy Krathong, a festival held to honour the mythical goddess Phra Mae Kongkha -- the personification of the kingdom's rivers.
Time to tackle plastic
Oped, Editorial, Published on 02/03/2022
» As the world's attention remains focused on the war between Russia and Ukraine, more than 100 nations are convening in Kenya this week to wage their own war -- against plastic waste. Delegates -- including those from Thailand are expected to take the first steps toward establishing a historic global framework for a legally binding plastic treaty -- touted to be the most ambitious environmental pact since the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change. The move is vital if it's not already too late as plastic continues to snarl up the worlds waterways and contaminate the food chain.
Bid adieu to bad rubbish
Oped, Editorial, Published on 31/08/2021
» On Thursday, the national sub-committee tasked with overseeing plastic and electronic waste management will hold a meeting after a ban due to come into effect on Wednesday was once again pushed back due to pressure from the waste recycling industry.
Plastic waste still an issue
Oped, Editorial, Published on 12/09/2020
» When it comes to policy on waste management and recycling, the Prayut Chan-o-cha administration is generally deemed to be progressive. The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry in 2018 made a landmark decision to slap a ban on the importation of plastics and electronic waste which is to take effect on Jan 1 next year. Previously, the ministry jump-started a voluntary campaign to ban single-use plastic bags in department stores and retailers nationwide. Within one month of the restriction beginning, over 3.7 billion less one-time use plastic bag were used nationally.
War on plastic falters
News, Editorial, Published on 04/06/2020
» In 2016, the World Economic Forum foretold that without effective intervention, the amount of plastic waste would exceed fish in our oceans by 2050. The writing on the wall was clear -- act now or lose an ecosystem that generates half the oxygen we breathe. Thailand, ranked the sixth-worst ocean polluter, moved quickly to adopt the ambitious "Plastic Waste Road Map 2018-2030", a plan which promised to phase out consumer dependency on single-use plastics through specific targets with the ultimate goal of ensuring all plastic waste by 2027 is recyclable.
Take more care with park waste
News, Editorial, Published on 01/12/2019
» The death of a male deer in Nan's Khun Sathan National Park highlights the growing need for a plastic management plan in the country's conservation zone.