Chanathip Pharino

Evaluation of greenhouse gas emissions and reduction from the petrochemical industry in Thailand

This study aims to determine the baseline and indicators for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and to evaluate the effectiveness of mitigation measures used to reduce GHG emissions in Thai petrochemical plants. The results demonstrate that petrochemical production between 2005 and 2010 had an annual energy requirement in the range of 120,000–170,000 TJ. The proportions of energy consumption for the petrochemical industrys upstream, intermediate and downstream groups were 75%, 14% and 11%, respectively. The amount of GHG emissions from the petrochemical industry during 2005–2010 was approximately 8000 to 12,000 kt CO2 eq./year. This value represents approximately 3% of the total GHG emissions of Thailand. The upstream petrochemical industry accounted for the highest GHG emissions of 62%, whereas the intermediate and downstream groups were responsible for 21% and 17%, respectively. The carbon intensities of the upstream petrochemical products for the olefin and aromatic groups ranged from 1.104 to 1.485 t CO2 eq./t and 0.420 to 1.125 t CO2 eq./t, respectively. For the intermediate and downstream petrochemical products, the carbon intensities ranged from 0.396 to 1.209 t CO2 eq./t and from 0.096 to 0.477, respectively. The likely reason for the decrease in carbon intensity from 2005 to 2010 is that the industry sector implemented measures to improve energy conservation and updated production processes. The most significant potential for GHG emissions reduction was found in fuel conservation measures, steam conservation measures and electricity conservation measures.

Cost-benefit analysis of shrimp farming's flood risk reduction strategies in Thailand

Chachoengsao province is a prime shrimp producing area for domestic consumption and exports. The province, however, is often threatened by floods. Improving the effectiveness of current flood damage protection is a major challenge. This research developed a flood risk map by combining the probability of flood events and a vulnerability map based on physical characteristics of the area and socio-economic conditions of shrimp farmers (victims). Analysis of current risk reduction measures was performed by comparing the net benefits and costs of different strategies. Damage costs to shrimp farming from flooding were also estimated for the base case (a case with no change in actions). The flood risk map shows that two-thirds of shrimp farms are highly vulnerable to flooding when a 10-day accumulated rainfall is greater than 250 mm which is likely to occur every 2 years. Increasing dike heights could yield higher net benefits than other flood adaptation measures. Non-structural flood controls such as early harvesting and shifting the crop calendar are alternative measures for shrimp farmers who lack financial supports. The results show that cost-benefit analysis based on various scenarios can help in selecting an appropriate mitigation practice especially for shrimp farms located in a high risk area.

E-waste Management in Thailand (Case Studies)

This chapter presents three case studies on electronic waste management including one on mobile phone waste management, one on PC waste management, and one on TV waste management. All case studies were conducted in Thailand by the author’s research team. The chapter presents the current situation of each type of waste and how they are managed. Recommendations about how to improve the performance of each type of e-waste management are presented in each section.

Household Hazardous Waste Management in Thailand

This chapter presents details of household hazardous waste (HHW) situations, generation, and characteristics. How these types of waste are managed in Thailand and the impact of such management are also presented. A case study on HHW management in Bangkok based on the author’s own research is provided and discussed. Policy recommendations to better improve HHW management are explained. The content is based in part on the author’s research.

Waste Characteristics and Practices

This chapter presents an overview of the trend of the waste generation rate in different countries. The sources and characteristics of waste are presented to provide a snapshot of the waste situation in different regions. The makeup of waste affects how it should be managed. The common practice of waste management is explained and its performance is compared between low-income and high-income countries. Formal and informal waste recycling play increasingly important roles in the resource recovery system. Recycling practices are discussed. The local community is key to managing waste at source (waste reduction and separation). Therefore, community-based waste management is also highlighted in the chapter.

Municipal Waste Management in Thailand

This chapter presents an overview of municipal waste management in Thailand, including the rate of waste generation, waste management policies, and management structures in Thailand. 3R implementation in MSWM, community-based waste management, and some recommendations for future system improvements are explained and discussed. The content in this chapter and the following chapters is based on the work of the author investigating how to promote sustainable municipal waste management in different areas in Thailand.

Electronic Waste Management in Thailand

This chapter presents an overview of e-waste generation and management strategies and systems not only in Thailand but worldwide. E-waste generation types and management policies in Thailand are explained in detail. Current management practices and impacts from e-waste management in Thailand are also discussed. Suggestions for future improvement of e-waste management are presented.

Community-Based Waste Management in Thailand

This chapter focuses on the community-based management (CBM) approach to waste. The CMB concept is explained in detail. Since waste banks are widely implemented in Thailand, the chapter looks at their design and performance. A case study on CBM in Phang Khon, Sakon Nakhon province (Thailand) is the focus of the chapter. The research presented in this chapter was conducted by the author and fellow researchers. Key factors in successfully implementing CBM and lessons learned from the case study are presented. There are key features in the case study that might be beneficial for other communities to adapt and apply to fit local settings in each community.

Infectious Waste Management in Thailand

Public health facilities and healthcare businesses are growing in tandem with increases in population and demand. Consequently, the amount of waste from operating a health service is increasing as well. As the amount of infectious waste has been steadily increasing, it is essential to establish an appropriate and efficient collection and treatment system to handle such waste. Infectious waste management in Thailand, however, still faces many challenges. When inappropriately managed, this may become a serious public health threat causing outbreaks of diseases that adversely impact human health and the environment. Waste generated by the public health service sector requires specific types of treatment to prevent environmental and health impacts from all stages of the waste management lifecycle. This chapter looks in depth at the infectious waste situation and management including a case study undertaken by the author conducted in Bangkok City (Thailand).

Integrated Waste Management System Overview

Increasing waste generation under inefficient management systems has become a major challenge in many developing countries facing rapid economic growth. Thailand is suffering from low efficiency throughout the waste management logistics from source to final treatment. This has become a major concern to public health and resource utilization in the country. This book aims to give an overview of the waste management system situation and concepts in different countries. The book focuses on the management of municipal solid waste (MSW) in Thailand and special waste streams such as discarded electrical and electronic equipment and hazardous household waste. System operation, management approaches, and key factors impacting the progress of waste management are explained. The first chapter starts with a brief introduction of the outlook and scope of the waste sector. An integrated sustainable waste management framework is presented, followed by a discussion of challenges and opportunities facing the sector in the future. The second chapter covers waste generation rates, waste sources, and waste characteristics. The third to eighth chapters present how municipal waste, electronic waste, hazardous household waste, and infectious waste are managed in Thailand. Lessons learned from various activities within Thailand aimed at overcoming ongoing challenges are presented. Recommendations promoting a sustainable waste management system in Thailand that could be applied to other countries with a similar background are presented including integration of the polluter pay concept, stringent new laws, good incentive systems for recycle and reuse, waste to energy technology, incorporation in environmental education, and awareness raising in every sector.