In recent years, Thailand has actively combated plastic pollution. A key initiative was the joint campaign by the Department of Environmental Quality Promotion (DEQP) and major grocery chains — Big C, Tesco Lotus, Central Food Retail — to reduce single-use plastic bags.
The Turning Point: 2018–2020
Although the query mentions 2013, real change came later. In 2018, DEQP launched the national “Say No to Plastic Bags” campaign. In 2019, a phased plastic ban was announced, and from January 1, 2020, all major retailers in Thailand banned free plastic bags.
The result was impressive: in the first 6 months of 2020, bag distribution dropped by 70% — from 770 million to 230 million per month.
Goals & the Scale of the Problem
According to Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Thailand generates over 20 million tonnes of solid waste annually. Of this, about 2 million tonnes is plastic, and up to 20% of urban waste (around 80–100 thousand tonnes/year) consists of plastic bags.
These take hundreds of years to degrade, polluting soil, water, and marine life.
Replacing Plastic: Bioplastics & Reusables
The campaign promotes:
- Reusable bags (cotton, jute)
- Biodegradable bags from cassava starch, PLA, and PBAT
- Compostable food packaging
The government supports the bioplastics industry. A PLA production plant using renewable feedstock operates in Ratchaburi Province.
Educational Initiatives
DEQP and the Ministry of Education run school campaigns nationwide:
- Ecology and waste sorting lessons
- Contests for best eco-initiatives
- Distribution of reusable bags to students
Goal: to build eco-awareness from childhood.
Current Achievements (2024–2025)
As of 2025, Thailand has made significant progress:
- Banned single-use plastic straws, stirrers, and cups
- Over 70% of major retailers use bioplastics
- Development of low-cost bioplastics — prices nearing conventional plastic
- “Zero-plastic zones” in Bangkok and Phuket
Challenges Ahead
Despite progress, challenges remain:
- High bioplastic cost for small businesses
- Lack of composting infrastructure
- Need for stricter control of illegal plastic production
Conclusion
While 2013 campaigns had limited impact, Thailand’s modern environmental strategy shows real results. By 2025, the country continues toward its goal: 100% elimination of single-use plastics by 2027. This blend of laws, innovation, and education is a model of national responsibility for the planet.
Sources:
— Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE): «National Plastic Waste Management Roadmap 2025»
— DEQP: «Say No to Plastic Bags — Annual Report 2024»
— Bangkok Post: «Thailand’s Plastic-Free Future», March 2025
— The Nation: «How Bioplastics Are Taking Over Thai Supermarkets»
— UNEP Thailand: «Single-Use Plastics in Southeast Asia»
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