Thailand’s Industry Ministry has announced new regulation to curb mercury use, effective 1 September 2025, to protect the environment and human health. The regulation ban construction of new mercury plants, prohibit the expansion of existing facilities, and aim to reduce or phase out mercury use in industrial processes and products.
It is the need to control mercury emissions, supply, trade, storage, and disposal. Mercury is widely used in batteries, switches, pesticides, cosmetics, and also released from small-scale gold mining. If released, it can vaporize and spread, eventually transforming into methylmercury, a toxic compound that accumulates in fish and the food chain.
Thailand ratified the Minamata Convention on Mercury in 2017, committing to reduce mercury use and emissions. Studies have shown high mercury levels in provinces with heavy industry, gold mining, and coal-fired power plants, raising health concerns such as brain damage in newborns.
The regulation represents a significant step in controlling mercury pollution by restricting production, use, and trade while aligning Thailand with international standards.
Draft Announcement of the Ministry of Industry
Subject: Prohibition on Establishing or Expanding Factories that Use Mercury or Mercury Compounds in Production Processes
Purpose: To control, supervise, and restrict the use and release of mercury, protecting human health and the environment.
In line with Thailand’s obligations under international agreements such as the Minamata Convention on Mercury.
Apply to: Factories that use mercury (Hg, CAS No. 7439-97-6) or compounds containing mercury as a raw material, catalyst, or component in their production processes.
Result: It is forbidden to establish or expand factories that use mercury or mercury compounds in production processes in any area of the Kingdom. Factories established and licensed before the regulation comes into effect may continue operating, but no new permits or expansions will be granted.
Effective Date: 1 September 2025.