Bangkok: MPs from the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) are calling on the government to reinstate the "PRTR Act" to tackle persistent pollution and factory fire issues.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Kamontharat Kittisuntornsakul, an MP from Rayong Province representing the People's Party, held a press conference urging the Cabinet to reconsider the draft Act on Reporting and Disclosure of Pollutant Releases and Transfers. The draft, which has already passed the committee and remains in Parliament, is seen as a vital step toward addressing environmental issues and achieving sustainable solutions to pollution problems.
The PRTR Act, or the Pollutant Reporting and Transfer Act, aims to establish a central database for reporting hazardous chemicals impacting quality of life and the environment. This would enable the government to better plan for chemical accidents, manage pollution at its source, and promote a safer environment for the public. The law also upholds the public's right to know and benefits the private sector by promoting good governance, supporting the circular economy, and enhancing market competitiveness.
The path to enacting the PRTR law in Thailand has spanned over a decade, driven by demands from civil society and environmental networks. The Parliament accepted the bill's principles on September 5, 2025, and established a committee for review. However, after preparations for subsequent readings were completed, Parliament was dissolved. Now, with a new Parliament and Cabinet in office, Ms. Kittisuntornsakul urges the government, particularly the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, to reconsider the pending draft.
Thailand has been grappling with escalating pollution issues, including PM2.5, illegal industrial waste dumping, and chemical accidents. Notable incidents such as illegal waste dumping in the Eastern Economic Corridor, the Mingti factory fire, and recent fires at chemical warehouses underscore the inadequacy of current laws in addressing pollution challenges. The Cabinet is urged to consider the PRTR draft within 60 days of the first parliamentary session, in line with Article 147 of the 2017 Constitution, which expires on May 12, 2026. This initiative aims to develop a chemical database system in Thailand and foster sustainable environmental management, aligning with the government's Net Zero environmental goal.