Thailand recognizes the environmental challenges posed by improper plastic waste management, particularly the risk of plastic pollution in water bodies. To address this, Thailand has launched the Plastic Waste Management Action Plan Phase II (2023-2027), emphasizing an integrated approach focusing on production, distribution, consumption, and consumer management. However, understanding the practices of the informal recycling sector and addressing logistical issues in processing are crucial for preventing plastic leakage into marine environments.

The main objective of this study is to examine the current state of plastic waste management and sources of leakage, with a focus on the Nonthaburi Municipality and Pattaya City. This study is particularly concerned with land-based sources of plastic leakage into marine environments. It aims to identify potential sources of plastic leakage and challenges in addressing such leakage, with a special focus on the informal sector.

This report is published by the Regional Resource Centre for Asia and the Pacific (RRC.AP) of the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) with support from ERIA's Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris under the project "Development and Dissemination of Technical Guidelines for Plastics and Resin Pellets Leakage Prevention from Factories and Informal Recycling Sector in the ASEAN".