Thailand, one of the leading industrialized countries in Southeast Asia, has been tackling with various environmental pollution issues emerging along with economic growth. Emissions from industrial facilities and exhaust gas from mobile sources has been causing air pollution in large cities and industrial parks. Chao Phraya River, canals and waterways in urban areas has been deteriorated due to urbanization and economic activities. Social interests on management of increasing wastes, including municipal wastes, industrial wastes, waste electrical and electronic equipments, infectious wastes, as well as noise and odor issues has been risen.
Widely known legal action against industries in Map Ta Phut, Rayong province, caused a huge impact to government and private entities. In September 2009, the Central Administrative Court of Thailand ordered the suspension of 76 industrial projects in Map Ta Phut industrial estate, one of the largest petrochemical complex in the world, totaling approximately $10 billion due to environmental and health concerns. Although many projects have been reopened lately, this Map Ta Phut pollution issue once again highlighted the importance and risks of environmental management in Thailand.
Thailand established legal framework to regulate environmental issues as follows;
Summary of EHS laws in Thailand
| LAW | Field | Ministry in charge | Overview |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality Act, B.E. 2535 (1992) | Pollution control | Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment | Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality Act, B.E. 2535 is a fundamental environmental law in Thailand. The act was enacted in 1992 to replace previous Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality Act of 1975. It covers wide range of pollution issues such as water pollution, air pollution, waste management, noise and vibration. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) scheme, which is an obligation for specific type of industrial projects, infrastructure projects , condominiums, and etc. is implemented under this Act. |
| Factory Act, B.E. 2535 (1992) | Environmental management within factory | Ministry of Industry | Factory Act, B.E. 2535 (1992) was enacted in 1992 to replace previous Factory Act of 1969. One of the main purposes of the act is to regulate environmental and safety concerns associated with factory establishment and operation. Subsidiary regulations and notifications published by Ministry of Industry prescribes various requirements for EHS management such as;
|
| Hazardous Substance Act, B.E. 2535 (1992) | Chemical management | Ministry of Industry and other relevant ministries | Hazardous Substance Act, B.E. 2535 (1992) was enacted in 1992 to replace previous Poisons Act of 1967. The act established a legal base of chemical management in Thailand. Industries which manufacture, import, export or possess hazardous chemicals shall conduct chemical business in accordance with this act and its subsidiary regulations and notifications. The act regulates chemicals for agriculture, fisheries, livestock, food and medical purpose, industry and energy business. |
| Public Health Act, B.E. 2535 (1992) | Public health | Ministry of Public Health | Public Health Act, B.E. 2535 (1992) was enacted in 1992 to replace previous Public Health Act of 1941. The purpose of the act is to assure health, hygiene and living environment of citizens. The act prescribes duties of the local municipalities as well as the private entities. Municipal wastes are managed by local municipalities under this act. Business detrimental to health, 13 business categories defined by the subsidiary notification, shall be carried out in accordance with the requirement of the act. |
| Occupational Safety, Health and Environment Act B.E. 2554 (2011) | Occupational safety and health | Ministry of Labor | Occupational Safety, Health and Environment Act B.E. 2554 was established to assure safe working condition at workplace. The act prescribes duties of the central and local government as well as those of employers and employees. Subsidiary regulations and notifications published by Ministry of Labor prescribes various requirements such as;
|
| Energy Conservation Promotion Act B.E. 2535 (1992) | Energy conservation and efficiency | Ministry of Energy | Energy Conservation Promotion Act B.E. 2535 (1992) is a fundamental energy management law in Thailand. Designated factory or building under the act is required to appoint person responsible for energy and implement energy management system. Energy efficiency of the equipments is promoted and encouraged. |
| Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand Act, B.E.2522 (1979) | Environmental management within factory located in industrial estates | Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand | Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand Act, B.E.2522 (1979) establishes rules and standards for industries located in industrial estates. As environmental management is a part of the scope of the act, factories located in industrial estates shall carry out their activities in accordance with the act. |
| Notification under NEQA of 1992 | Published |
|---|---|
| Notification of the National Environmental Board, No. 8, B.E. 2537 (1994), issued under the Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality Act B.E.2535 (1992) Surface Water Quality Standards | 1994.02.24 |
| Notification of the National Environmental Board: Marine Water Quality Standards | 2017.11.23 |
| Notification of the National Environmental Board, No. 20, B.E. 2543 (2000), issued under the Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality Act B.E.2535 (1992) Groundwater Quality Standards | 2000.09.15 |
| Notification of the National Environmental Board, No. 10, B.E. 2538 (1995), issued under the Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality Act B.E.2535 (1992) Ambient air quality standard | 1995.05.25 |
| Notification of the National Environmental Board, No. 24, B.E. 2547 (2004), issued under the Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality Act B.E.2535 (1992) Ambient air quality standard amendment | 2004.09.22 |
| Notification of the National Environmental Board, No. 28, B.E. 2550 (2007), issued under the Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality Act B.E.2535 (1992) Ambient air quality standard amendment | 2007.05.14 |
| Notification of the National Environmental Board, No. 33, B.E. 2552 (2009), issued under the Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality Act B.E.2535 (1992) Ambient air quality standard amendment | 2009.08.14 |
| Notification of the National Environmental Board, No. 36, B.E. 2553 (2010), issued under the Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality Act B.E.2535 (1992) Ambient air quality standard amendment | 2010.03.24 |
| Notification of the National Environmental Board, No. 12, B.E. 2538 (1995), issued under the Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality Act B.E.2535 (1992) Sulfur Dioxide Standard in Ambient Air | 1995.07.13 |
| Notification of the National Environmental Board, No. 21, B.E. 2544 (2001), issued under the Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality Act B.E.2535 (1992) Sulfur Dioxide Standard in Ambient Air amendment | 2001.04.30 |
| Notification of the National Environmental Board, No. 30, B.E. 2550 (2007), issued under the Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality Act B.E.2535 (1992) VOC Standard in Ambient Air | 2007.09.28 |
| Notification of the National Environmental Board on Carbon Disulfide Standard in General Ambient Air | 2017.09.20 |
| Notification of the National Environmental Board, No. 25, B.E. 2547 (2004), issued under the Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality Act B.E.2535 (1992) Soil quality standard | 2004.10.20 |
| Notification of Environmental Board No. 15 B.E.2540 (1997) under the Conservation and Enhancement of National Environmental Quality Act B.E.2535 (1992) Ambient noise standard | 1997.04.03 |
Framework of EHS laws and regulations in Thailand.
Thailand
On January 31, 2025, the Pollution Control Department (PCD) of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) of Thailand released the Sustainable Packaging Materials Management Bill (Buddhist Year of …
Thailand
On January 21, 2025, the Thai Cabinet approved the principles presented in a drafted Ministry of Finance Ordinance as proposed by the Department of Goods Taxation of the Ministry of …
Thailand
Thailand published following 2 notifications in January 2025. These notifications improves electrical safety inspection of workplaces and industrial factories.
Thailand
On December 6, 2024, the Thai Ministry of Industry promulgated, in the Official Gazette, the Notification of Ministry of Industry on Standards and Procedures for the Preparation and Submission of …
Thailand
On November 8, 2024, the Department of Climate Change and Environment (DCCE) of Thailand’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment launched its second public consultation on the revised Climate Change …
Thailand
On November 26, 2024, Thailand promulgated the “Notification of the Committee for the Control of Occupational and Environmental Diseases of B.E. 2567 (2024) Concerning Types, Scale, and Characteristics of Pollution …
Thailand
Ministry of Commerce of Thailand published the “Notification of the Ministry of Commerce regarding Designation of Plastic Waste as Prohibited Goods for Import into the Kingdom B.E. 2567 (2024)” in …
Thailand
Ministry of Labour of Thailand published the “Notification of the Ministry of Labour regarding Hazard Assessment, Study of Workplace Environmental Impacts, and Preparation of Employee and Business Establishment Control Plans” …
Thailand
On August 23, 2024, Thailand’s government promulgated Ministry of Public Health and Ministry of Industry Order Stipulating Diagrams, Symbols, or Wording of Containers or Packages Containing Volatile Substances of B.E. …
Thailand
On October 15, 2024, the following three notifications, which require safety testing of boilers and fluid heaters, were promulgated in Thailand. All entered into effect the day after the promulgation.
Thailand
On August 29, 2024, the “Office of the National Water Resources Notification on the 20-Year Water Resources Management Master Plan (Revision Phase 1, 2023–2037 (B.E. 2566–2580))” was promulgated in Thailand. …
Thailand
On July 30, 2024, the Ministry of Public Health Notification on the Mandatory Notification on the Monitoring, Prevention, and Control of Environmental Diseases to Residents Exposed or Potentially Exposed to …
Thailand
On July 3, 2024, the following four legislations on cosmetic products were promulgated in Thailand. Ministry of Public Health Notification: Names of Substances Prohibited for Use as Ingredients in the …
Thailand
On August 8, 2024, the Ministry of Industry (MOI) of Thailand promulgated MOI Notification on the 2nd version of the Regulations Requiring Factories to Install Special Tools or Equipment for …
Thailand
On August 8, 2024, in Thailand, the “Department of Industrial Works Notification on Guidelines for Collecting Samples of Ambient Volatile Organic Compounds at Factory Boundary Fences During Major Maintenance Work …
Thailand
The Label Committee of Thailand, the organization responsible for consumer protection, published the “Notification on designated of gas canister and portable stove as label-controlled products” in the Government Gazette on …
Thailand
Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand published “Notification of the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand No. 029/2567 regarding general standard for wastewater discharge into the central wastewater treatment system in industrial …
Thailand
The Label Committee of Thailand, the organization responsible for consumer protection, published the “Notification on designation of water filters as a label-controlled product” in the Government Gazette on 28 May …
Thailand
On 5 June 2024, the Director General of the Excise Department of Thailand disclosed the current stage of proposing methodology of carbon taxing to the Ministry of Finance for consideration …
Thailand
Thai Industrial Standard Institute (TISI) issued a standard of “TIS 3604-2023 MERCURY-ADDED PRODUCT – RESTRICTION OF THE USE OF MERCURY”, targeting electrical and electronics equipment which might affect to health …
Thailand
In March 2024, the Ministry of Industry of Thailand released the Ministerial Draft Notification on Data Reporting on Types and Amounts of Pollutants from Factory Operations (hereinafter referred to as …
Thailand
Pollution Control Department, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Thailand opened the draft of Sustainable Packaging Management Act for public hearing on the website on 18 March 2024. The …
Thailand
Pollution Control Department, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Thailand opened the draft of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act for public hearing on their website on 22 February …
Thailand
On 8th January 2024, the Energy Regulatory Commission of Thailand (ERC), an independent body to regulate energy industry operation of the country, announced “Notification of the Energy Regulatory Commission regarding …
Thailand
On 7th December 2023, the Department of Industrial Works (DIW), Ministry of Industry of Thailand released following two draft notifications to control import and usage of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in accordance …
Thailand
On 1st November 2023, the Department of Industrial Works (DIW), Ministry of Industry of Thailand released a draft notification to revise the hazardous substance list under Hazardous Substance Act B.E. …
Thailand
The Ministry of Public Health has issued a notification, enacted under Cosmetics Act B.E. 2558 (2015), Notification if the Ministry of Public Health, Re: Prescribe Types of Cosmetics, Criteria, Methods …
Thailand
Thai Ministry of Natural Reources and Environment announced two notifications (1) Notification of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment prescribing standards for controlling air emissions from power plants, B.E. …
Thailand
Thai government announced the “Royal Decree regarding Changing the Name of the Deeparment of Environmental Quality Promotion (DEQP) to Department of Climate Change and Environment (CCE) B.E. 2566 (2023)” in …
Thailand
Ministry of Industry of Thailand announced “Notification of the Ministry of Industry on Management of Waste or Unused Materials (No. 2) B.E. 2566 (2023)” in the Royal Gazette on 15 …
Thailand
The Ministry of Industry of Thailand published the following three regulations in the Royal Gazette on 3 July 2023. These regulations will be effective on 1st January 2024 to implement …
Thailand
The Department of Energy Business, the Ministry of Energy of Thailand, announced “Notification of Department of Energy Business: Fire protection and extinguishing system with fire sprinkler for the gas cylinders …
Thailand
Thailand announced “Notification of the Ministry of Public Health Prescribing the Name of any Substance Prohibited for Use as an Ingredient in Cosmetic Production B.E. 2566 (2023)” in the Royal …
Thailand
The Pollution Control Department, under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, published the “Notification of the Pollution Control Department, Re: Thailand Air Quality Index B.E.2566 (2023)” dated on 16 …
Thailand
Ministry of Industry of Thailand announced “Notification of the Ministry of Industry on Management of Waste or Unused Materials B.E. 2566 (2023)” in the Royal Gazette on 31 May 2023.
Thailand
On February 17, 2023, the label committee, which is responsible for administering consumer protection laws in Thailand, promulgated the “Label Committee Notification: Form of Label for Label Regulated Products (Third …
Thailand
On December 19, 2022, the Food and Drug Administration of Ministry of Public Health in Thailand promulgated “the Food and Drug Administration Notification: List of Safety Evaluation Agencies and Food …
Thailand
Ministry of Industry of Thailand announced “Notification of the Ministry of Industry on Safety Measures for Chemical Management in Industrial Factories (No. 2) B.E. 2566 (2023)” in the Royal Gazette …
Thailand
Department of Industrial Works, Ministry of Industry of Thailand announced “Guidelines for permission to import Sodium cyanide, Benzyl cyanide and Benzyl chloride for use or sale in the country” dated …
Thailand
On March 24, 2023, the Ministry of Industry of Thailand promulgated “the Ministry of Industry Notification No. 5: Safety and Protection Measures for Operation in the B.E. 2566 (2023) “ …
Thailand
The Marine Department of the Ministry of Transport of Thailand has been working on the development of subordinate laws and regulations for the implementation of “Ministerial Regulation on the Handling …
Thailand
On February 23, 2023, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Thailand promulgated the “Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Thailand Notification: Regulation of Standard Values for Carbon …
Thailand
Department of Industrial Works, Ministry of Industry of Thailand published “Order of Department of Industrial Works No. 42/2566 regarding Hazardous Substance Management of Perfluorooctanoic Acid, Salt of Perfluorooctanoic Acid and …
Thailand
Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health of Thailand established “Notification of the Department of Health regarding Indoor Air Quality Monitoring Standards in Public Building B.E. 2565 (2022)” dated on …
Thailand
Ministry of Public Health of Thailand announced “Notification of Ministry of Public Health B.E. 2565 (2022): Notification and Report in the Case of Finding Person Contracting or Reasonably Suspected to …
Thailand
Ministry of Industry of Thailand published “Notification of Ministry of Industry B.E. 2565 (2022): List of hazardous substances (No.7)” in the Royal Gazette on 21 December 2022. The notification has …
Thailand
On September 8, 2022, the Notification of the Committee on Labels Re: Determination of Ultraviolet Radiation in the C Range of Wavelengths (Ultraviolet C or UV-C) Goods as a Label-Controlled …
Thailand
Pollution Control Department, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment announced “Notification of the Pollution Control Department on the Characteristics of Plastic Scraps Suitable for Recycling B.E.2565 (2022)” in the Royal …
Thailand
Thailand Ministry of Industry published a set of announcements to control emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from chemical and petrochemical industries on 2 November 2022. The notifications are;
Thailand
Thailand Department of Industrial Works (DIW), Ministry of Industry published “Notification of the Department of Industrial Works prescribing the Criteria for the Approval of a Factory with a Wastewater Treatment …
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