INTEREST GROUPS AND ELECTRONIC WASTE MANAGEMENT POLICY

Abstract

The world is now seeing a surge in electronic waste, often known as “e-waste”, and Thailand is Southeast Asia’s second-largest generator of e-waste (Forti, Baldé, Kuehr, & Bel, 2020; The Momentum, 2018). Since the bulk of policymakers is linked with interest groups and political pressures, Thailand has been collecting such issues for a very long time. Thus, the relationship between interest groups and policy in Thailand’s e-waste management was investigated using qualitative methodologies, an in-depth interview, and documentary research. The findings noted that the current e-waste management bill may be advantageous to all sectors since it offers realistic rules and effective mechanisms for e-waste management. Prior to the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Management Act’s implementation, a number of issues must be reviewed, including the determination of the e-waste product type, insufficient law enforcement, a suitable take-back mechanism, public education, waste management technologies, and responsibility distribution. Moreover, several studies have demonstrated the connection between interest groups and e-waste management. Priority should be given to educating the public about the need for electronic waste management, followed by allocating duties to each sector equitably and appropriately.