Thailand is experiencing a steady increase in waste and wastewater generation due to a growing population, strong economic growth, urbanisation and the subsequent changes in the population’s consumption patterns. According to Thailand’s State of Pollution Report 2018, 27.8 million tons of municipal solid waste was generated, an increase of 1.64% compared to 2017. Extended urban development and changing lifestyles are said to be the main reasons for the increase. About 9.58 million tons or 34% of the waste was re-utilized, 10.88 million tons or 39% went to landfills and 7.36 million tons or 27 per cent was improperly disposed of in open dumps or by openly burning.

Moreover, the total volume of domestic wastewater generated amounts to approx. 9.7 million cubic metres per day of which 2.6. million cubic metres or 27% is currently being treated in central municipal treatment plants. At the same time, the actual treatment capacity is around 40% mainly due to low loading rates, limited piping connection and budget constraints.

At the subnational level, the local governments responsible for the management of municipal solid waste and wastewater often lack institutional capacities and financial resources to manage their waste and wastewater facilities properly.

Improperly managed municipal solid waste and domestic wastewater are a major cause of environmental degradation and health problems throughout the country. With a rate of 4% to 5% of the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Thailand, municipal solid waste and wastewater clearly contribute to climate change.