Thailand’s plastic waste imports ban welcome but a global treaty is needed to properly tackle the issue

Thailand’s newly announced ban on plastic waste imports is a monumental victory for the health of the country’s people and environment.

The South-East Asian country is one of several in the region to accept and process plastic waste from other nations.

However, history has shown that such bans, while necessary, often displace the problem rather than solve it, redirecting waste flows to other countries that are ill-equipped to handle the increased volumes of plastics or the environmental and health crises that come with it.

Plastic waste pollution, Chonburi, Thailand

In addition, it is also a practice which fuels the illegal waste trade, fostering corruption, organised crime and mismanagement.

EIA Ocean team Legal and Policy Specialist Amy Youngman said: “This highlights a glaring inequity in the global plastic waste trade whereby wealthy nations and the largest plastic producers continue to prioritise their own convenience, using waste exports to cushion their excessive consumption habits and rid themselves of the toxic burdens in their own backyards.

“This status quo perpetuates harm in the Global South, where communities suffer from the pollution, toxic fumes and health risks of mismanaged waste.

“To truly tackle this crisis, we need a strong, legally binding Global Plastics Treaty that holds the largest producers and waste-generating nations accountable. These countries must take responsibility for their waste domestically, rather than outsourcing the problem under the guise of ‘recycling’.”

EIA believes the plastics treaty must prioritise banning waste exports, curbing plastic production at the source, eliminating toxic chemicals and ensuring that waste systems are truly environmentally sound.

Plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue — it’s a human health crisis, it’s a climate crisis and it’s also a matter of global justice.

Youngman added: “Anything less than comprehensive and decisive international action will continue to sacrifice the health of vulnerable communities and ecosystems to protect the convenience of the few.”