BANGKOK, Thailand – The Ministry of Industry has announced a prohibition on the establishment and expansion of factories using mercury or mercury compounds in production processes, effective from September 1, 2025.
Mr. Eknat Phrompan, Minister of Industry, revealed that he has signed the Ministry of Industry’s announcement titled “Prohibition on the Establishment or Expansion of Factories Using Mercury or Mercury Compounds in Production Processes, and Prohibition on the Use of Mercury or Mercury Compounds in Production Processes, B.E. 2568.” This follows the Cabinet’s approval in principle of the draft announcement on December 24, 2024. The goal is to control and phase out the use and release of mercury from sources as stipulated by the Minamata Convention on Mercury, which focuses on the control, reduction, and eventual elimination of mercury production, import and export, use, release, mercury waste management, and contaminated areas.
This regulation covers all sectors to protect human health and the environment from mercury and mercury compound releases into the air, soil, and water from various activities. Thailand became a party to the Minamata Convention on June 22, 2017, and the convention has been legally binding in Thailand since September 20, 2017.
“The Ministry of Industry is working in every channel to protect citizens from industrial activities that may harm people’s lives and communities. This signing is a clear measure to prevent dangers from mercury use in industry,” said Minister Eknat. He also referenced a previous five-year ban on establishing or expanding reinforced concrete steel factories effective until January 9, 2030, aimed at protecting the public from malicious operators.
Mr. Natthapon Rangsitpol, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, stated that this announcement controls factories involved in five production processes: chlorine-alkali production; acetaldehyde production using mercury catalysts; vinyl chloride monomer production; sodium or potassium methylate or ethylate production; and polyurethane production using mercury catalysts, across all regions of Thailand.
The ban prohibits the establishment or expansion of factories using mercury or mercury compounds in production, as well as the use of mercury or mercury compounds in production processes. This regulation will greatly help control mercury emissions from production processes, reduce environmental pollution, and ensure public health safety. It also strengthens Thailand’s compliance with international obligations, enhances Thailand’s environmental reputation globally, promotes international cooperation, supports legal development, and opens trade opportunities that enhance competitiveness in line with global standards, ultimately improving Thai people’s quality of life.
Mr. Prayot Klankrong, Director-General of the Department of Industrial Works (DIW), said the DIW, as the legal regulator related to hazardous substances and factory laws, focuses on implementing obligations under the Minamata Convention. Continuous cooperation between the DIW and the private sector has prepared Thailand’s industrial sector to comply with the convention’s requirements to phase out mercury and mercury compounds in production.
The DIW issued this Ministry announcement to prevent the introduction of mercury or mercury compounds in new or expanding factories in the future. (TNA)
