Plastic Bag Surcharge to Reduce Use

Many of the bags washed up on Pattaya's beaches have originated from being discarded in Bangkok streets then ending up in the drains after rain,into the rivers,then into the sea and then the tides have brought them here,while others have been discarded locally. Starting on February 14 most of Phukets major retailers will begin charging customers for plastic bags. Central, Big C, Tesco-Lotus, Makro, Supercheap and Jungceylon are all on board for the project.

Most major retailers on the island will begin charging customers one or two baht for plastic bags. It is hoped the charge will result in a significant drop in the amount of plastic that reaches the island’s incinerator at Saphan Hin and the amount dicarded that find their way into the ocean. Plastic shopping bags are made from petrochemicals which are not renewable and when disposed of improperly, they are unsightly and endanger many forms of wildlife.