The Thailand Environment Institute (TEI) confirmed that the COVID-19 pandemic has positive impacts on the natural ecosystem, as many tourist attractions have time to recover. However, the volume of trash has risen dramatically, including expired face masks and plastic waste.
TEI President Dr. Wijarn Simachaya said air pollution has decreased dramatically, especially in Bangkok, due to fewer automobiles on the road. Several natural attractions are beginning to recuperate. Leatherback sea turtles, which are the biggest marine turtles and in danger of extinction, lay eggs at an all-time high rate on beaches in the provinces of Phang Nga and Phuket. This is also a great time for the government to establish tourism strategies and protect the environment by restricting tourist numbers to natural sites.
Dr. Wijarn said there are around 1.5 million face masks used and disposed of every day in Thailand. In Bangkok, the sum is about 150 tons a day. It is recommended to place them in red bins reserved for hazardous waste. Using masks need to be incinerated at 1000 degrees Celsius temperature. Do not burn them alone as they will pose damage to human safety and air pollution.
Due to the rise in deliveries, the volume of plastic waste has also risen by 15 percent. Thailand generates 1,500 tons of products a day in typical conditions. Now Thailand generates 6,300 tons of plastic waste every day and Bangkok alone accounts for about 1,500 tons.
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