Plastic Smart Cities Local Champions Driving Environmental Change in Thailand
These powerful stories showcase how local champions, in partnership with the Plastic Smart Cities project, are transforming plastic waste journeys and driving lasting environmental change.
From Private Business to a Community-Driven Social Enterprise – Hat Yai
“Plastic Smart Cities helped us see how waste management can truly support communities. Now, it’s happening—the community has an income, and waste has been significantly reduced,” – Jamlong Tongjankaew.
For years, Mr. Jamlong viewed his recycling shop as merely a place for buying and selling plastic waste. However, after working with PSC-TVA, he realized his business could have a much greater impact. Now, he plays a key role in his community’s plastic waste management efforts, helping residents turn waste into opportunity.
The Importance of Monitoring and Evaluation
As an active member of the Plak Krim community, he works closely with the community president, Mrs.Kulyarat (Noi) Chaicharoen, to promote plastic waste sorting in households. He meticulously keeps records of waste transactions in the community’s “yellow books,” allowing the community members to track progress and improve their plastic waste management practices. The strong bond between Plak Krim community and Jamlong Junkshop has helped Plak Krim’s waste bank to transform into a registered social enterprise, opening up new funding opportunities and benefits for the community.
Working with PSC-TVA has also enabled him to navigate business challenges, such as enhancing the value of recyclable plastic materials and overcoming difficulties in sorting waste after purchase. Through collaboration with the community and their waste bank, with support from PSC-TVA, collecting plastic waste has become more manageable, as a wider group of people has access to waste collection and selling activity with better sorting practices, leading to greater efficiency in the process. The initiative has streamlined plastic recycling for both businesses and residents. Even if the PSC-TVA project ends, Mr. Jamlong is committed to continuing his work, proving that a recycling shop can lead to significant change.
Building a Sustainable Island Through Collective Plastic Waste Action – Samui Island
“The only barrier between waste and value is a split-second decision. If we discard it as waste, it remains waste. But if we channel it toward worth, it gains value, “ – Anusit (Mhee) Srisa.
Plastic waste management is a major challenge on Samui Island, but for Mhee, waste has always been a part of life, growing up in a family-run recycling business. With PSC’s support, he has expanded his business by strengthening his MRFs and connecting with the local community network, including PSC community waste banks. This allows him to collect waste efficiently while exchanging knowledge with residents, contributing to a more sustainable Ko Samui.
Building Networks for Stronger Waste Management and Raising Awareness
Collaboration with PSC-TVA has allowed him to build a strong network, connecting local businesses, waste collectors, and communities to create a more organized and efficient plastic waste management system. PSC-TVA has helped improve plastic waste sorting quality, encouraged more people to recycle properly, and reducedthe processing capacity gap in the municipality’s system
One of his biggest challenges has been shifting people’s mindsets. Many see plastic recycling as a burden rather than a benefit. However, through his dedication and advocacy, more people are now actively participating in well-structured plastic waste collection service. He believes the lessons learned from PSC-TVA will continue to benefit Ko Samui, ensuring a cleaner and greener future for the island.
Transforming a Historic Community Toward Green Tourism with Plastic Waste Reduction – Songkhla
“Our Old Town became cleaner when people had the knowledge and understood the meaning of ‘reducing plastic at the source.’” – Aranee (Ar) Supphakarn.
Songkhla Old Town is renowned for its rich history and culture, but for Ar, its future must also embrace sustainability. As the town’s president, she is leading efforts to make green tourism a reality, ensuring that both locals and visitors protect the town’s environment from plastic waste pollution.
The Significance of Small Behavioral Changes
With PSC’s support, she led the Plastic ACTion (PACT) initiative, encouraging local businesses to reduce plastic waste. Her approach is simple yet powerful—small changes in daily habits can have a significant impact. By motivating business owners, residents, and tourists to take responsibility for their plastic waste, she is shaping a more sustainable future for Songkhla Old Town and the vision of “Traveling Songkhla Old Town Without Footprints” is coming to life.
PSC partnership with Songkhla Old Town has integrated sustainability into the town’s art scene, commissioning two street murals by local artist Mr. Jaroen Rattanawijit to remind people of the importance of reducing plastic waste. More individuals are becoming aware of their environmental impact, ensuring that the town’s legacy includes not only culture but also sustainability.
