Evolution of Thailand's Eco-Industrial Towns Development: Challenging and Obstacles

Abstract

This documentary and observational research presents the recent advancements in the development of Thailand's eco-industrial towns (EIT). Problems and suggestions are included to develop an EIT that is consistent with Thailand's future development. According to Thailand's EIT, sustained growth has resulted in the anticipated extension of the EIT area, with three excellent locations now exhibiting EIT performance close to the highest level. As a result, it is intriguing to see how problems and obstacles will be handled, as well as how the EIT operating plan will match with Thailand's national development goal toward a BCG (Bio-Circular-Green). As a result of the 2020 EIT assessment, it is worth noting that the outstanding EIT areas are influenced by several factors. The pressure for local factories to establish environmental management systems and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives is significant. The authors propose encouraging the private sector to develop the circular economy pattern in any EIT area, as well as relaxing measures that impede EIT development and incentive programs of interest, all of which will eventually result in the development of EIT towards eco-cities or a low-carbon society.