The initiative aims to better integrate informal waste workers (known as “saleng”) in Thailand into formal waste management/recycling systems, strengthen public–private partnerships, and promote sustainable waste practices across the city.
Over 120 Informal Waste Workers Gather in Surat Thani
Behind Surat Thani’s cleaner streets are the Saleng workers—informal waste workers who keep the municipality moving, despite limited social protection, recognition, and support. On 9 December 2025, over 120 members from the Saleng Association were brought together for its annual convention organised by WWF-Thailand and the Surat Thani Municipality.
[Also read: WWF-Thailand kicks off project with Surat Thani’s Saleng Association]
Graced by Mr. Prasert Boonprasop, the Mayor of Surat Thani Municipality, and Mr. Hatthachai Rueangnui, Deputy Mayor, who took the opportunity to meet and speak directly with the diverse group of informal waste workers, the convention sought to gather various stakeholders to collectively reflect on progress made and share lessons learned in the project to improve local waste management systems, while gathering key insights from members of the Saleng Association.
A survey was conducted at the meeting to support ongoing vulnerability assessments and to capture the members’ most urgent needs. Over 95% of participants expressed concerns about income instability, lack of emergency savings, and a strong interest in learning financial management — a priority topic that has been identified for future training in the next project phase.
Towards Fair, Inclusive and Equitable Waste Systems
Since officially kick-starting this project with WWF-Thailand and Surat Thani municipality, Surat Thani’s informal waste workers network has gained 27 new members — a positive response to joint outreach efforts driven by partner junk shops and peer-to-peer engagement to help expand the Association’s engagement of saleng workers.
By elevating the role of saleng in plastic waste recovery, the Saleng Association aims to enable greater material value retention, reduced contamination, and a stronger sense of local stewardship over waste. These outcomes align with the broader vision of enabling economically viable and socially just waste systems through the Plastic Smart Cities framework.
Designed to strengthen practical capacity, the annual meeting included training to equip participants with a clearer understanding of the rules, regulations, and procedures for collecting recyclable waste within the municipality, while also promoting occupational safety and health and the prevention of occupational diseases. Importantly, it encouraged Saleng Association members to self-organise as part of ongoing efforts to, improve their quality of life, and build dignified livelihoods that are recognised and accepted by society.
Saleng members actively contributed to the workshop
More than a meeting, the event served as a one-stop platform that effectively combined policy dialogue, health and safety promotion, and welfare support. With technical support from lecturers of the Surat Thani Provincial Public Health Office, participants received free basic health check-ups, health consultations, influenza and tetanus vaccinations, and haircuts. Practical assistance was also provided through maintenance services for motorized tricycles, including oil changes and minor repairs, helping the Saleng network members work more safely and efficiently. In addition, the municipality provided annual dividends, relief kits, and personal protective equipment (PPE) to support members’ well-being.
The meeting brought together a wide range of partners and local officials, including the Director of the Public Health and Environment Bureau, the Director of the Thailand Institute of Packaging Management and Recycling for the Environment (TIPMSE), representatives from WWF-Thailand, the Jan & Oscar Foundation, Blue Ocean Plastic Recycling (BOP), and Hat Yai Tipp Public Company Limited. With growing interest from strategic partners, such as TIPMSE—this project aims to strengthen collaboration beyond Surat Thani and further support safer working conditions and more sustainable livelihoods for Saleng workers across Thailand.
[Also read: about another Saleng Network in Trang Municipality]
