Environmental pollution in Thailand - statistics & facts

Thailand’s environmental pollution is mainly a result of a rapidly increasing population, industrial activities, and a growing economy. Big cities like Bangkok suffer pollution issues such as an increasing volume of improperly disposed of solid waste, bad air quality, and noise pollution. Meanwhile, water quality in the country is also compromised by agricultural deforestation, expansion of communities, and improper wastewater drainage. In 2022, the number of complaints filed regarding environmental pollution in Thailand amounted to over 14.8 thousand cases.

Pollution issues in Thailand

Unsurprisingly, air pollution is among the most severe pollution issues among Thai citizens. Together with noise pollution, it accounted for the majority of complaints filed against environmental issues in 2022. Air pollution in Thailand is mainly caused by traffic congestion and industrial emissions. Aside from air pollution, solid waste management is also a pressing issue in the country. With more than 25 million metric tons of solid waste produced in Thailand in 2022, there are less than 400 proper waste disposal sites. Meanwhile, the number of improper waste disposal sites in the country amounted to almost two thousand units. In comparison, water quality in Thailand was on average good or fair among the 65 essential surface water sources surveyed in the country.

Pollution management and solutions in Thailand

The Pollution Control Department under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is responsible for pollution control in Thailand. Several measures have been introduced to tackle pollution, such as detecting vehicles that produce black exhaust smoke, forbidding open burning, and cooperating with vehicle manufacturers to reduce air pollution. A reduction of plastic use is also encouraged nationwide. Certain retailers already adapted to this approach by offering paid-reusable bags instead of plastic bags to consumers. In addition, the development of a water drainage standard for industrial plants has also been initiated. In 2022, the government spent around ten billion Thai baht on environmental protection in Thailand, which was a decrease, compared to the previous year.
This text provides general information. Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct. Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date data than referenced in the text.
Published by Statista Research Department, Dec 20, 2023

Key insights

CO2 per capita in Thailand
3.69 metric tons
Government spending on environmental protection in Thailand
10bn THB
Share of pollution from establishments in Thailand
33%
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Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Volume of solid waste in Thailand from 2012 to 2022 (in million metric tons)

Waste Management

Volume of solid waste Thailand 2012-2022

Volume of recycled solid waste in Thailand from 2012 to 2022 (in million metric tons)

Waste Management

Volume of recycled solid waste Thailand 2012-2022

Government expenditure on environmental protection in Thailand from 2012 to 2022 (in billion Thai baht)

Government Finances

Government expenses on environmental protection Thailand 2012-2022

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