Although a framework for the circular economy has yet to be finalised by the government, the Industry Ministry is keen on the plan that creates the Resource Recovery Parks as industrial estates for the circular economy.
Industry Minister Uttama Savanayana said the ministry will promote the Resource Recovery Parks on 1,000-rai plots managed by the state-run Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT).
"The parks will be located in six regions across the country, and the IEAT will take charge of this project to determine the direction of the circular economy in the state industrial parks," Mr Uttama said. "We will conclude specific directions soon."
A circular economy is a regenerative system in which resource inputs and waste, emissions and energy leakage are minimised by slowing, closing and narrowing energy and material loops. This can be achieved through long-lasting design, maintenance, repair, reuse, remanufacturing, refurbishing, recycling and upcycling.
The government is promoting and supporting advanced technological development of 11 targeted industries -- cars; smart electronics; affluent, medical and wellness tourism; agriculture and biotechnology; food; robotics for industry; logistics and aviation; biofuels and biochemicals; digital; medical services; and defence.
The circular economy concept will soon be in the 12th targeted industry plan, but it has to receive cabinet approval first.
Mr Uttama said the IEAT will cooperate with the Industrial Works Department to utilise waste to supply the new industrial estates.
Many state agencies are working on the circular economy concept, such as the Office of Industrial Economics and the Board of Investment, to come up with a roadmap, strategy and investment incentives for the project.
Mr Uttama said the ministry has ordered the IEAT to set up a small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) and Industry Transformation Centre (SMEs-ITC Centre) to support and promote SMEs and startups in 13 provincial areas.
The SMEs-ITC Centre includes a knowledge space, a co-working space and networking.
"The IEAT will also support 450 communities, covering 180,000 people surrounding industrial estates to create new products from waste for commercial purposes," Mr Uttama said.
Separately, the ministry plans to revise the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand Act of 1979 to adjust some sections to accommodate the upcoming changes, the process for which is under consultation with the Office of the Council of State.
Somchint Pilouk, IEAT's governor, said the terms of reference (ToR) for the third phase of the Map Ta Phut seaport, worth 47.9 billion baht, will be proposed to the cabinet meeting for acknowledgment and approval on Oct 30.
The ToR will be issued to interested companies at the beginning of November.
"This megaproject has drawn interest from PTT Plc, Italian-Thai Development Plc and Ch.Karnchang Plc," Ms Somchint said.
The seaport in Rayong will be allocated 12 billion baht from the government in the public-private partnership.