In this final part of the series, we will look at the Draft Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Management Act. The development of a legal framework for the management of waste from electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) has been discussed and studied in Thailand for almost two decades. However, despite existing general environment-related laws, such as the NEQA, the Hazardous Substance Act, B.E. 2535 (1992), and the Factory Act, B.E. 2535 (1992), there is currently no specific Thai law governing WEEE management in a systematic and sustainable way.

Biodiversity is included as Goals 14 and 15 of the Sustainable Development Goals, and its growing significance was emphasized during the special COP on biodiversity, COP15. Many jurisdictions, such as Australia, Japan and the EU, have adopted biodiversity laws to respond to the growing threat of species extinction, habitat loss and ecosystem loss. Thailand has also been working on the same subject, as was included in the most recent Prime Minister’s Statement on National Strategy, and the Ministry of Natural Resource and the Environment has been working on the draft Biodiversity Bill.

The current legal framework for managing packaging and other household waste in Thailand has long been governed by various pieces of legislation, such as the Public Health Act, B.E. 2535 (1992) and the Act on the Maintenance of Cleanliness and Orderliness of the Country, B.E. 2535 (1992). To provide equality and equity for all stakeholders with the ultimate goal of mitigating the environmental impact caused by packaging waste, and at the same time promoting a strong circular economy, the Draft Sustainable Packaging Management Act has been developed to establish systematic and sustainable management of packaging waste.

In recent years, environmental issues have been increasingly prioritized, leading to positive results in the development of national policies in Thailand. Many draft environmental legislations, which were previously stalled, are now regaining momentum as key enablers to drive Thailand towards a more sustainable future.

As a key step in combating the climate change crisis, the Thai government has recently established the Department of Climate Change and Environment within the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. This central government agency is dedicated to focusing on the country’s climate change efforts.

“Sustainability Solution EP.1 – Why ESG matters” is presented by our partners Nam-Ake Lekfuangfu and Panyavith (Taro) Preechabhan. In this episode, our team discusses the rise of ESG, its importance, and what this would mean for companies going forward. This video is in Thai with English subtitles.

“Sustainability Solution EP.3: Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism” is presented by partners from our ESG team: Bulin Sanooj, Ornsiri Samarnmitr and Nam-Ake Lekfuangfu. In this episode, our team discusses the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and what this could mean for businesses outside of the European Union. This video is in Thai with English subtitles.

“Sustainability Solution EP.4: Environmental Jargon” is presented by partners from our ESG team: Bulin Sanooj, Ornsiri Samarnmitr, Nam-Ake Lekfuangfu and our Environmental Specialist Dhiranantha Rithmanee. In this episode our team demystifies technical terminology related to the environment and climate change. This video is in Thai with English subtitles.

“Sustainability Solution EP.5: Thai investment agency’s move to promote sustainability” is presented by our Sustainability partner Nam-Ake Lekfuangfu, Chana Sooppipat and Jaywon Yi from our Corporate practice group, who are experienced in foreign investment. In this episode, our team discusses promotion schemes offered by the Board of Investment of Thailand related to sustainability, covering various industries. This video is in Thai with English subtitles.

“Sustainability Solution EP.2: The First E in ESG – Environmental” is presented by partners from our ESG team: Bulin Sanooj, Ornsiri Samarnmitr and Nam-Ake Lekfuangfu. In this episode, our team discusses the environmental aspect of ESG, recent developments, and why it matters for businesses to pay close attention to these issues now. This video is in Thai with English subtitles.