Thailand Issues Mercury Ban Effective September 1, Including Ban on Polyurethane Production Using Mercury as Catalyst

On August 10, 2025, Thailand’s Minister of Industry, Ekkanat Pongpan, announced the official signing and promulgation of the "Announcement on Prohibiting the Establishment and Expansion of Factories Using Mercury and Mercury Compounds in Production Processes, and Prohibiting the Use of Mercury and Mercury Compounds in Production Processes (2025)."

This announcement is an official measure following the cabinet's principled approval on December 24, 2024, aimed at fulfilling Thailand's international commitment to the Minamata Convention. It seeks to control and gradually eliminate the use and emission of mercury from the source, in order to protect public health and the ecological environment.

The announcement will take effect on September 1, 2025.

According to the announcement, the ban covers the entire country and applies to five major categories of industrial production processes.

Chlor-alkali production

Acetaldehyde production using mercury and mercury compounds as catalysts

▪ Production of Vinyl Chloride Monomer

▪ Production of sodium/potassium methylate or ethylate using mercury as a catalyst

▪ Production of polyurethane using mercury as a catalyst

The announcement prohibits the establishment or expansion of factories using mercury and mercury compounds in the above-mentioned production processes, and also prohibits the continued use of mercury and mercury compounds in existing production processes.

Ekana pointed out that this move is another policy measure aimed at preventing harmful business activities that endanger the public and communities, following the announcement earlier this year banning the establishment or expansion of rebar production plants for reinforced concrete (for a period of 5 years, effective until January 9, 2030).

He emphasized that banning the production and use of mercury is an important measure to "protect people's health and reduce environmental risks."

Nattapong Lonsipon, Executive Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Industry, added that this announcement will significantly reduce mercury emissions in industrial production processes, lower the risk of soil and water pollution, and enhance Thailand's image on the international environmental protection stage. It not only reflects the fulfillment of international obligations but also adds leverage for Thailand in international trade negotiations, promoting the alignment of the country's industrial system with global standards, thereby improving Thailand's industrial competitiveness and sustainable development capacity.

Pongyo Krengkrai, Director-General of the Department of Industrial Works, pointed out that as the regulatory body under the Hazardous Substances Act (1992) and the Factory Act (1992), the Department has consistently incorporated the requirements of the Minamata Convention into its enforcement efforts, particularly in strictly controlling the use of mercury and mercury compounds in production processes.

Over the years, the Factory Affairs Department has maintained close cooperation with the private sector, enabling the Thai industry to fully eliminate the use of mercury in production.

This announcement effectively prevents the introduction of new industrial projects involving mercury in the future, ensures the green transformation of the industry, allows enterprises to operate stably within the framework of environmental protection and international regulations, and achieves sustainable coexistence with the community.

The Minamata Convention is a global environmental treaty aimed at preventing and controlling the hazards of mercury pollution. Thailand joined the convention on June 22, 2017, and it officially came into effect on September 20, 2017. The convention requires member states to control and reduce the presence of mercury in production, import and export, usage, and emissions. It covers multiple areas including products, industrial processes, small-scale gold mining, waste management, and pollution control.