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Waste to Energy Industry: The Plight of Waste Management in Thailand (Closed event)
12 December, 2018 @ 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
According to a 2015 Ocean Conservancy Report, Thailand is among the five Asian countries together with China, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines that are contributing waste dump into the ocean – responsible for more than half of the 8 million tons of plastic waste. The people of Thailand use over 70 billion plastic bags a year.
Waste to energy technology has been one option to reduce the waste that will end up in the landfill or dump into the ocean and transform it into energy. However, there are implications of waste to energy plant installation to the environment and its overall market growth. It is argued that waste to energy is one of the most polluting methods for both waste management and power generation because it burns garbage and emits toxic pollutants and creates the leftover ashes which are also very dangerous.
On December 12 at 5.30 PM, the Bangkok Social Research Group will hold a closed event at SEA Junction to discuss on Thailand’s participation in this global market of waste to energy: its current challenges, the opportunities for growth and the existing barriers to participation.
This informal group interested with social issues affecting Thailand and beyond will analyze the problem and discuss the key challenges of the waste to energy situation in the region with critical questions including: In the long term, will a ban on e-waste imports across South-East Asia be necessary? What will be at stake? Do our governments only seek the economic growth to the detriment of the common good of the citizens? Is the so-called 3R strategy (Reuse, Reduce and Recycle) still the prime key to influence Waste to Energy Methodology without any leftover hazard wastes behind? Is “war on plastics” possible in South-East Asia?
Natchiya, a researcher who studied waste to energy issue in Thailand, will act as resource person and share her findings and reflections to stimulate discussion.
Source: River in Bueng Rama IX, Bangkok by Ella Nanda Sari
Location:
SEA Junction, OUR Venue on Southeast Asia SEA Junction aims to foster understanding and appreciation of Southeast Asia in all its socio-cultural dimensions –from arts and lifestyles to economy and development. Conveniently located at Room 408 of the Bangkok Arts and Culture Centre or BACC (across MBK, BTS National Stadium) SEA junction facilitates public access to knowledge resources and exchanges among students, practitioners and Southeast Asia lovers. For more information see www.seajunction.org and join the Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1693055870976440/
