Thai mobile and broadband provider AIS has teamed up with FA Thailand on an ambitious initiative to tackle the country’s e-waste issue. Thailand had been a popular destination for countries to export their e-waste until the introduction of the Electronic Appliance and Devices Disposal Act in 2020. According to a 2017 global electronics waste report, hazardous waste from electrical and electronics appliances in Thailand exceeded 400,000 tonnes.
AIS is also working with the Thai League and Waste Management Siam Co to challenge consumers to deposit unwanted devices at various drop off points so their electrical items can be disposed of safely. There’s also some added incentive for fans to support the scheme and help their club add to their season’s silverware.
We are inviting football fans of Thai League 1 to dispose of their e-waste at drop-off points located in all of the 16 stadiums which are home to clubs in the Revo Thai League. We will collect and recycle this e-waste into the first winners' medals in Thailand containing materials extracted from recycled e-waste. Two [sets] of these medals will be presented to winning clubs competing in the 2021/22 Revo Thai League.
Pratthana Leelapanang, Chief Consumer Business Officer, AIS
The football backed drive is in addition to AIS’s existing e-waste collection scheme with drop off points set up with participating partners across the country on top of a freepost service. AIS’s target is to reach 2 million devices by the end of 2022 (current tally is 279,324 and counting).
For more information about AIS’s recycling programme click here