ส.อ.ท. – กรมโรงงานฯ เดินหน้าปรับกติกาอุตสาหกรรม ใช้ AI จัดการกาก–น้ำ ดัน Circular Economy สู่การปฏิบัติFTI - Department of Industrial Works Advances Industry Regulations Using AI for Waste-Water Management, Promoting Circular Economy into Practice

Environmental regulations are increasingly impacting business operations and the competitiveness of the industrial sector. At the same time, entrepreneurs must be able to adapt without bearing unnecessary burdens. Thus, the FTI and the Department of Industrial Works have moved forward in discussions to connect “laws–technology–practical implementation” so they can function together.

On August 17, 2026, Mr. Prida Watcharathiansakul, Vice Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) and President of the Water, Environment, and Climate Change Institute, along with the institute's executive team, met with Mr. Pornyod Klanakorn, Director-General of the Department of Industrial Works, at Conference Room 505, Department of Industrial Works, to discuss ways to enhance cooperation on environmental and safety issues in the industrial sector.

[Amend Laws for Effective Regulation Without Unnecessary Burden]

One of the key issues is to allow the industrial sector to participate in the formulation and development of laws to ensure that regulations can be effectively implemented and aligned with actual operational conditions, based on the principle of “the polluter pays” (Polluter Pays Principle: PPP) as a fundamental guideline.

This includes draft legislation on industrial waste management, draft factory laws, and draft standards for soil and groundwater contamination to create a balance between enhancing environmental standards and the compliance capabilities of operators.

[Utilize AI to Reduce Steps, Transform “Waste” into Resources]

Another noteworthy point is the use of AI in the permitting process for industrial waste management through the Automatic E-License system to improve the speed and accuracy of permits and regulations.

Additionally, efforts are being made to promote the concepts of Circular Economy and End-of-Waste, allowing industrial waste that can be reused to be transformed from “waste” into valuable raw materials or resources, which will help reduce waste volume and enhance resource efficiency in the industrial sector.

Moreover, there are discussions about benchmarking Eco Factory standards with Green Industry, increasing water productivity, and developing emergency response standards to enhance readiness in preventing and mitigating potential impacts on factories, communities, and the environment.

[Continuous Follow-Up Every Two Months]

To ensure ongoing collaboration, both parties have appointed coordinators and scheduled joint discussion forums every two months to report progress, exchange proposals, and advance shared issues into practical implementation.

This collaboration aligns with the vision “The New Chapter of Thai Industry: Empowering Growth with 5I” of the FTI for the period 2026-2028, particularly the I5 strategy – Inclusive Sustainability, which aims for sustainable growth in the Thai industry, efficient resource use, and acceleration towards a Low Carbon Industry alongside the application of ESG to enhance the competitiveness of the Thai industry in the long term.

Among the executive team of the FTI participating in this initiative are Mr. Pirachai Thingrasrisupab, Mrs. Supawinee Krisnawattana, Mr. Wisuth Jongjaroenkij, Mrs. Sumitra Wittitkanokthamak, Mr. Phitsanu Jarupattanasirikul, Ms. Suniy Worasangkoor, Mr. Promporn Isarangkun Na Ayutthaya, and Mr. Nopparakrit Sirithiramatara.