Factors influencing on successfulness of Thailand's banning policy on single-use plastic cups and straws

Abstract

The present research aims to find out factors influencing on successful implementation of Thailand's SUP cups and straws banning policy which has been implementing since January 2022. Target groups of the study are consumers in Bangkok and vicinity (Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon and Nakhon Pathom). As serious Covid-19 pandemic situation during the data collection period (April 18-June16, 2022), the questionnaire survey was conducted via Google form online survey platform, but additional onsite survey at a school in Bangkok was conducted on June 16, 2022, where the pandemic situation has become better. Total 718 respondents in the study areas were achieved, but up to 75% of which are those living in Bangkok, 66% are females and 80% are those having bachelor degree and higher, while similar distribution in occupation, age, and income. Regarding beverage consumption behavior, the study found that about 47.2% prefer self-prepare at home, and most of which are senior and elderly. While another 52.8% who prefer buying at shop are those in all age ranges, income, occupation, and education level. The study on beverage buying frequency found that up to 44.2% buy once in a while, another 44.7% buy 1-5 cups per week, and only 11.1% buy more than 5 cups per week. By the way, PR or campaign on the banning policy together with building knowledge about microplastic from SUP and oxo-plastic via social media are recommended. Upon the survey of consumer's opinion as well as reports from other relevant studies found that effective factors for the banning policy should be stop both production and consumption. Legal enforcement is recommended for producers and beverage sellers, while any measures without extra payment and penalty are recommended for consumers in the Thai context.