The Plastic Pileup in Thailand: Illuminating Local Voices and Perspectives on the Causes and Grassroots Solutions

Plastic waste is accumulating at an unprecedented rate and threatens human and ecosystem health around the world. The plastic waste issue is especially pervasive in Thailand, one of the six most significant contributors to marine plastic pollution (Jambeck et al., 2015). While international media covers Thailand's ranking and the plastic-induced deaths of megafauna on its shores, Thai regulatory institutions, grassroots environmental organizations, and residents living and working near plastic waste sites are left out of these discourses. Recognizing the importance of Thai knowledges and experiences has the potential to improve how we respond to the plastic waste issue, but not enough is known about their perspectives. As attention centers on this country, we have yet to hear from the voices of Thai people. This research involves a qualitative ethnographic study of Thai people's lived experience with and perspectives on the sources and effects of plastic waste, the power relationships underlying discourses that inform the issue, and Thai responses and agency. Through discourse analysis of ten in-depth semi-structured interviews, I engage with those involved in plastic waste governance, production, recycling, and environmental activism in the Bangkok metropolitan area. Preliminary findings suggest that those in power are reticent to alleviate the plastic pileup through measures that would challenge plastic production. These groups contest Thailand's ranking in the Jambeck et al. study while grassroots organizers call for western-derived solutions and regulatory measures. These proposed solutions must be considered in the local context.