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Thailand's electronics boom: A sustainable future amidst the e-waste challenge
Kodchakorn Kum-iem
Thailand is struggling to manage its growing hazardous and electronic waste crisis, which is due to inadequate infrastructure, enforcement, and increasing waste volumes. This has led to incidents such as chemical fires in Samut Sakhon and Ayutthaya, early in 2024, highlighting the risks of illegal waste dumping. The situation has been further aggravated by illegal imports, which increased after China banned waste imports in 2018.
Environmental groups and experts are calling for reforms to strengthen enforcement, inspections, and licensing requirements to ensure industrial waste is disposed of responsibly. This situation not only presents an environmental challenge, but also a pressing need for strategic solutions that balance industrial growth with sustainability.
E-waste contains hazardous components, such as cadmium and mercury, that pose severe risks to both human health and the environment. Addressing this situation requires innovative solutions, and a shift towards a circular economy offers a sustainable pathway. Designing products for reuse, recycling, and extended life cycles not only reduces waste, but also ensures producers take responsibility for reclaiming and managing their products at the end of their life cycles.
Since e-waste also contributes to Scope 3 carbon emissions, long-term management is important for lowering greenhouse gases. Integrating effective e-waste plans into climate policies is crucial for complying with Thailand’s Climate Change Act, and attaining emission reduction targets while balancing economic development and environmental preservation.
GLOBAL TRENDS AND THAILAND’S GROWING E-WASTE CHALLENGE
Since 2003, the European Union’s Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations classify e-waste into 10 categories, including household appliances, IT equipment, consumer electronics, and medical devices. Globally, e-waste generation is escalating and is projected to rise from 50 million tons to 120 million tons annually by 2050, according to the World Economic Forum.
Thailand’s e-waste levels are rising yearly, driven by domestic usage and imports. Without effective disposal methods, the country faces serious e-waste crisis within 5–10 years. Current efforts include establishing 1,800 nationwide drop-off points for recycling e-waste, which replaces landfill practices by sorting materials like metals and plastics for reuse. These initiatives highlight the importance of responsible consumption and robust recycling infrastructure.
Recent studies indicate that public awareness of e-waste management in Thailand is low, with many people disposing of e-waste improperly. A survey found that many citizens either dispose of e-waste alongside general garbage, or store unused electronics at home. For example:
• Small Devices: About 35–40% of unused mobile phones are kept at home rather than recycled.
• Large Appliances: Nearly 15–20% of large e-waste items, like refrigerators or washing machines, are retained until improperly discarded.
The government is reviewing the WEEE Management Act to establish a framework for e-waste tracking and recycling. Key measures include nationwide collection centers, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies for manufacturers, and integrating informal waste sectors with local governments to enhance transparency and accountability.
Unfortunately, the drafting and implementation of Thailand’s WEEE Management Act have been significantly delayed due to the complex legislative process and various stakeholders, including government agencies, local municipalities, informal waste collectors, and producers. Additionally, Thailand lacks infrastructure for e-waste collection and recycling, complicating efforts to enforce laws.
Creating public awareness and support for proper e-waste disposal will require educational campaigns to ensure compliance with the upcoming law. Compared to EU countries that have implemented WEEE legislation, Thailand’s delayed progress puts it at risk of falling behind reaching international sustainability goals and effectively managing its growing e-waste problem.
WASTE MANAGEMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE LAWS
Thailand’s Climate Change Act aims to lower greenhouse gas emissions while promoting low-carbon development. This legal framework is inextricably linked to hazardous waste and e-waste management, as both contribute to pollution and climate change. Improper disposal of hazardous and e-waste can result in greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants that harm ecosystems. The Act stresses sustainable development and better waste management strategies. It supports a circular economy concept by supporting the development of e-waste recycling facilities and promoting producer responsibility.
Furthermore, industries that produce hazardous waste may face stricter emissions limitations under the Act, demanding improved waste treatment technologies. Overall, Thailand’s Climate Change Act might have a substantial impact on hazardous waste and e-waste rules, making waste management a key component of the country’s climate policy.
THE ROLE OF BOI IN BALANCING ELECTRONICS GROWTH AND WASTE MANAGEMENT
The dual issue of investment promotion and e-waste management presents an intriguing dilemma – particularly in Thailand, where the Board of Investment (BOI) actively promotes electronics manufacturing, including Printed Circuit Boards, advanced semiconductors, and EV batteries and other green technologies.
At first look, the BOI’s encouragement of Thailand’s electronics industry may appear paradoxical, but it reflects a strategic vision that goes beyond economic growth. The BOI has proved its commitment to ensuring that waste from this sector is handled responsibly at all stages. This proactive strategy demonstrates the BOI’s comprehension of the broader ramifications of industrial growth, as well as its commitment to sustainability.
The BOI activity 7. 1.12 Waste treatment or disposal targets environmentally responsible waste management, specifically e-waste. It offers tax exemptions and incentives to promote investment in e-waste recycling facilities and technology for material extraction. This helps reduce environmental and health risks, ensures compliance with Thai WEEE legislation, and boosts domestic recycling capacity to prevent illegal dumping or export.
Hopefully, Thailand can turn its e-waste dilemma into an opportunity to set a regional sustainability example by balancing economic growth and environmental responsibility.
Contact details:
Kodchakorn Kum-iem
Director : Legal Practice
Forvis Mazars in Thailand
