Thailand Environmental Issues

CIA World Factbook Image of ThailandEPA has a long and successful history of cooperating with Thailand to improve enforcement of environmental law, raise public awareness of and engagement in environmental issues, and improve air quality. Many of our joint programs achieved successes and became models for EPA’s partnerships with other countries in Asia.

Building Strong Institutions and Legal Structures

EPA and Thai officials conduct a mock inspection of a shipping container as part of port inspections training in Thailand

Enforcing Environmental Law: Thailand and EPA recognize the importance of effective enforcement of environmental law. EPA and Thailand Pollution Control Department (PCD) are active in the Asian Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Network (AECEN), which brings together enforcement officials from 13 countries to improve compliance with environmental laws and policies in Asia.

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Promoting Environmental Security at Seaports: EPA supports the International Network for Environmental Compliance and Enforcement (INECE) Seaport Environmental Security Network (SESN), an international organization of enforcement officials responsible for import and export of environmentally-regulated substances. Thailand is an active participant in the Network.

  • Recently: In August 2016, EPA and SESN held a 3-day workshop and field exercise for Thai customs officials at Laem Chabang, the home of Thailand’s largest port. Participants in this course learned techniques for detecting hazardous materials at ports, as well as practical models for communication between agencies on illegal shipments.
  • Learn More: Seaport Environmental Security Network Exit

Improving Air Quality for a Healthier Tomorrow

Students in Thailand learned how to measure air quality during a ‘Kids Making Sense’ workshop hosted EPA and its partners.

Air Quality Education: EPA and Thailand recognize the importance of raising public awareness of air quality, particularly through working with students.

  • Recently: In June 2016, EPA, National Science Museum Thailand (NSM), EPA Taiwan, the Asian and Pacific Islander Obesity Prevention Alliance (APIOPA), and students from both the U.S. and Taiwan partnered to hold two “Kids Making Sense” air quality workshops for students in Thailand. During the workshops, approximately 20 teachers and 60 students learned about air quality and the health impacts of air pollution, as well as how to measure air quality in their own neighborhoods using hand-held air quality sensors.

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Thai officials participate in a training on EPA’s Environmental Benefits Mapping and Analysis Program-Community Edition (BenMAP-CE) tool.

Air Quality Training: In 2015, EPA and Thailand Pollution Control Department hosted three regional workshops on air quality. These workshops highlighted EPA tools: AirNow International, Environmental Benefits Mapping and Analysis Program - Community Edition (BenMAP-CE), and Air Benefit and Cost and Attainment Assessment System (ABaCAS).

Through these trainings, participants learned how to use these tools in their countries to monitor air quality and estimate health impacts of air pollution. Also, based on EPA's Air Pollution Training Institute, the Thailand Air Pollution Center of Excellence (TAPCE) provides Thai public officials, private sector officers, and students critical skills to implement Thailand's environmental programs and policies. Course topics include air toxics, permit writing, and ambient air monitoring.

Recently, Mr. Mark Kasman of EPA sat down to talk with Dr. Supat Wangwongwatana, former Director of the Thailand Pollution Control Department, to discuss the factors which led to successfully phasing out lead in gasoline in Thailand and improving air quality for the next generation. Watch their video about collaboration between the USEPA and Thailand Pollution Control Department to improve air quality. Exit

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