From a mouth-watering serving of som tam to a simple can of Coke, plastic bags have earned a reputation as the primary container for food and other goods among Thais. Either consciously or unconsciously, plastic has become a decades-long addiction with complete disregard to the environment, as these bags are ubiquitous nationwide.
Thais seem content to use plastic bags from street vendors, supermarkets and convenience stores, no matter how small the purchased item.
Thailand recently found itself in the global media spotlight yet again after a pilot whale died in the southern province of Songkhla after ingesting 80 plastic bags weighing 8kg. Public attention erupted further when a turtle was found jammed with plastic shreds, rubber bands and debris in Chanthaburi province.
