Sustainable consumption in Thailand - statistics & facts

Record-breaking hot temperatures, plastic-polluted oceans, and other natural phenomena occurring around the world have raised questions about the way human consumption affects climate change. This helps bring about awareness among Thais on sustainable and conscious living. As the understanding of environmental and social impacts grows, the adoption of sustainable practices among Thais steepens. As a result, some Thai consumers are searching for more sustainable and eco-friendly products and services. In 2021, the carbon emissions from energy in Thailand amounted to 269 million metric tons, with rates dwindling since 2018. Considering reducing carbon dioxide emissions, the Thai government is planning regulations to diminish greenhouse gas emissions. This also entails implementing energy efficiency measures, promoting renewable energy, and improving public transportation systems. Thailand is also investing in renewable energy with aims to heighten the share of renewable energy mix and decrease dependence on fossil fuels. In 2022, Thailand’s renewable power generation capacity was more than 12 thousand megawatts, taking into consideration that a megawatt can power around 200 homes for a day.

Consumption and waste management

An increasing understanding of the environmental and social effects of consumption patterns has brought on a change in consumer behavior in Thailand. When asked about sustainable consumption practices when buying goods, most of the survey participants said they had reduced their use of single-use plastics. Meanwhile, around 65 percent of respondents indicated they were willing to pay more for sustainable collections from fast fashion brands. Initiatives such as clothes swaps, secondhand shopping, and buying local fashion have emerged and gained popularity among Thais. A survey conducted in 2022 revealed that 29 percent of Thai respondents shop secondhand for eco-friendly reasons. Fashion Revolution Thailand is one of the organizations that promotes responsible fashion consumption by raising awareness about unsustainable fashion production, questioning who made the garments, encouraging Thais to rewear the same clothes, and holding clothing exchange events in Bangkok.

Tourism and waste management

As a renowned tourist destination, Thailand has seen an increase in sustainable tourism activities. Eco-friendly lodgings, responsible tour operators, and activities that encourage environmental protection and cultural preservation are gaining popularity among travelers. This trend has spurred the tourist industry to embrace sustainable practices to suit the needs of environmentally concerned travelers. Another significant challenge facing Thailand in terms of sustainability practices concerns waste management. However, a movement to improve waste management systems persists. Efforts include encouraging recycling, segregating garbage, and reducing the use of single-use plastics. Despite the lower budget expenditure of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Thailand's future for sustainable consumption looks promising. The government understands the importance of sustainability and is putting measures in place to promote it. Consumers increasingly demand sustainable products and services, and a growing number of firms incorporate sustainable practices into their operations. However, continued efforts from the government, businesses, and individuals will be crucial in creating a more sustainable future for consumption in Thailand.
This text provides general information. Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct. Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date data than referenced in the text.
Published by Statista Research Department, Dec 20, 2023

Key insights

Volume of recycled waste
8.8m metric tons
Year with the highest government spending on environmental protection
2021
Most popular eco-friendly consumption practice
Buy goods or services to support sustainable and ethical practices
Get more insights

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Share of consumers who were willing to pay more for sustainable products in Thailand as of December 2023

Shopping Behavior

Willingness to pay more for sustainable goods Thailand 2023

Power generation capacity in Thailand 2023, by type (in 1,000 gigawatt hours)

Energy

Power generation capacity Thailand 2023, by type

Total renewable power generation capacity in Thailand from 2011 to 2023 (in megawatts)

Renewable Energy

Total renewable power generation capacity Thailand 2011-2023

Related topics

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Overview

4

Overview

Attitudes toward sustainability practice

6

Attitudes toward sustainability practice

Consumer goods

7

Consumer goods

Energy and resources

8

Energy and resources

Waste Management

6

Waste Management

Sustainable tourism

3

Sustainable tourism

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