Thailand Hosts Stakeholder Meeting to Develop Framework for Assessing Problematic Plastics

Key summary

On October 19, 2026, the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC) under the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) convened a meeting titled 'Listening Session and Discussion on Guidelines for Assessing Problematic Plastic Products to Support Transition to a Circular Economy' at the Jamjuree Ballroom A, Patumwan Princess Hotel in Bangkok. Over 30 representatives from government agencies, industry, academia, and civil society participated to exchange information and recommendations aimed at developing an assessment framework and management guidelines for plastic products suitable for Thailand's context. The event was opened by Mr. Shintaro Murai, representative of the Embassy of Japan in Thailand, and Ms. Hiroko Matsuo, representative of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Dr. Asira Phueangfuachart, Deputy Director of MTEC, outlined the meeting's objectives. Taweechai Jeernanayakhon, Director of Waste Reduction and Utilization Division, Department of Waste Management and Hazardous Substances, Pollution Control Department, presented progress on the third phase of the National Plastic Waste Management Action Plan and increased producer responsibility (Extended Producer Responsibility: EPR) to link research with national operational directions. Dr. Chutima Sae-Heng and Dr. Sirikanon Wisetsuwanpoom from MTEC presented the project framework and assessment guidelines under the UNEP-supported project 'Technical Assessment to Support Phase-Out/Phase-Down of Problematic Plastic Products in Thailand'. Discussions focused on gathering opinions regarding assessment criteria, their importance levels, system-wide perspectives, and life cycle thinking to ensure assessments reflect real issues and limitations. This will serve as a basis for developing appropriate measures, including upstream measures such as reducing unnecessary use, adjusting design and material selection, and developing reuse systems, alongside improving post-use management systems. MTEC emphasized stakeholder participation throughout the study process, combining feedback and experience from all sectors with academic data to develop evidence-based policy proposals aligned with national context and practical implementation.