On March 27, 2026, Dr. Lertluck Leelaruangsang, Deputy Permanent Secretary for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), presided over a strategic educational workshop under the “Urban Ocean” project. This initiative, a collaboration with the Resilient Cities Network (R-Cities), marks a significant step in Bangkok’s environmental policy, shifting toward a fully integrated management of both solid waste and wastewater. The primary goal is to prevent all forms of urban pollution, including sewage and various types of refuse, from leaking into the Chao Phraya River and reaching the sea. By focusing on the Talat Phlu community as a pilot site, the BMA aims to establish a robust collection and treatment system that intercepts pollution right at its origin.
The project utilizes “Circular Economy” principles to achieve a “Zero Waste” objective, emphasizing the maximum recovery of resources and the minimization of environmental discharge. Dr. Lertluck highlighted that the BMA’s current “Waste Separation” and “No Mixed Waste” policies are being upgraded through this international partnership to include more sophisticated monitoring and treatment technologies. By recording comprehensive waste and sewage data, the city can better understand the flow of pollutants and implement more effective local solutions. The vision is to turn sustainable environmental management into a daily routine for citizens of all ages, ensuring the long-term restoration of the city’s vital canals and waterways.
