Each year, Thailand generates more than 22 million tons of industrial waste from over 140,000 factories nationwide. Improper waste management can expose businesses to serious legal risks—often more severe than many organizations realize.
Under the Department of Industrial Works regulations and related laws (B.E. 2566 / 2023), the handling and disposal of industrial waste are now more strictly controlled. Non-compliance may result in penalties such as fines of up to 200,000 THB, imprisonment for up to 5 years, as well as orders to suspend or shut down operations. In some cases, daily fines may be imposed until compliance is achieved.
To meet regulatory requirements, factories must:
- Use the e-Manifest system for tracking industrial waste in every transaction
- Engage only licensed transporters and disposal companies approved by the Department of Industrial Works
- Ensure transportation vehicles are properly registered and equipped with GPS tracking systems
- Retain all disposal records and documentation for at least 3 years
Proper industrial waste management not only reduces legal risks but also demonstrates environmental responsibility and strengthens an organization’s credibility in the long term.
The safest approach is to work with licensed and experienced service providers who can ensure full compliance, transparency, and traceability at every step of the process.
