Understanding Plastic Bag Consumption and Management in Thailand: Integrating a KAP Model

Since January 1, 2020, Thailand has implemented a campaign to stop giving free single-use plastic bags in 75 major retail stores. This study aims to (1) understand the status quo and effectiveness of the plastic bag ban campaign by estimating the number of plastic bags used in Bangkok and Phuket (2) understand the consumers’ behavioural on plastic bag consumption and management by integrating a knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) model (3) provide policy recommendation to strengthen the country plastic waste management roadmap. The results showed that the ban on plastic bag campaign is effective, especially in the supermarkets and convenience stores in Bangkok. The numbers of plastic bags used per visit at supermarkets and convenience stores are approximately 1.9 bags and 1.7 bags, respectively, whereas the plastic bags used at fresh markets, restaurants, and food delivery services are, on average, up to 3.7, 3.1, and 2.8 bags per visit, respectively. On average, people in Bangkok use approximately 1.2 bags/person/day, while only 0.7 bags/person/day are used in Phuket. According to the KAP model, attitude is more crucial than knowledge towards pro-environmental behaviour. Bangkok residents’ trend to show more pro-environmental behaviour than Phuket residents. For policy implication, it is important to continuously communicate the environmental impact of plastics and emphasise the proper knowledge and attitudes toward plastic bags among people to encourage their cooperative behaviours in reducing the use of plastic bags and sorting waste for recycling.