Bangkok: "Poonsak" urges expedited consideration of the draft Waste Management Act, fearing Thailand could become a landfill for electronic waste in the long term. "Poonsak" criticizes the government's contradictory policies, abandoning the "old car for new car" scheme citing a lack of disposal space, yet aggressively promoting solar power. He urges swift consideration of the draft Waste Management Act from the National Economic and Social Development Council, fearing Thailand will become a landfill.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Poonsak Chanchanpee, a party-list MP from the People's Party, commented on the government's policy direction under the management of the 400 billion baht loan decree, noting contradictions in administration and a lack of long-term planning to address the e-waste problem. Mr. Poonsak stated that the 400 billion baht loan decree is divided into two parts: the first 200 billion baht is for assisting the public and sustaining the economy, and the second 200 billion baht will be used to promote and support the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy through three approaches: 1. Promoting electricity production from clean energy; 2. Promoting the use of environmentally friendly vehicles; and 3. Developing public skills and innovations to transform the energy structure. He believes that the second 200 billion baht is not urgent and can be managed within the regular annual budget.
Mr. Poonsak further stated that the key issue is the government's cancellation of the "old car for new car" scheme, citing Thailand's lack of an efficient vehicle waste management system. Conversely, the government is aggressively pushing forward with the "solar cell" project, even though Thailand currently lacks both clear laws and systems for managing discarded solar panels.
They also questioned the government's administration, asking why one project was halted under the pretext of waste management, while another project that would generate a similar massive amount of e-waste was pushed forward without a contingency plan. They also inquired about the progress of the draft Waste Management and Resource Recycling Act, proposed by the People's Party, which aims to create a mechanism for manufacturers to take responsibility for managing their own product waste (EPR), including end-use vehicles and solar panel waste. They asked about the current stage of the process and when it would be considered by parliament.
"In fact, before formulating any policies, the government must first find answers to the issue of waste product management, before Thailand becomes a landfill due to policies that lack long-term planning," Mr. Poonsak concluded.