BANGKOK, May 2025 – The Ocean Cleanup partnership on the Chao Phraya River is marking one year since the deployment of its first Interceptor™ in Thailand—part of a broader research collaboration aimed at tackling plastic pollution in one of the world’s busiest working rivers.
Together with partners including the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Marine Department, Expressway Authority of Thailand, the Embassy of the Netherlands in Bangkok, Ecomarine, Asimar, Chulalongkorn University, and Coca-Cola Thailand, the initiative has deepened understanding of plastic pollution in Bangkok’s rivers and canals.
Using The Ocean Cleanup’s innovative technology, Interceptor 019 is a solar-powered vessel that removes waste from the Chao Phraya River, helping to prevent plastic from entering the ocean.
In its first year, Interceptor 019 has removed over 150 tonnes of waste, created 13 jobs, and hosted more than 450 visitors—including government officials and students—supporting both environmental research and education.
The Chao Phraya River is a critical artery for the city, sustaining local communities and serving Bangkok’s 11 million residents. Interceptor 019 is stationed near the Commemoration of H.M. the King’s 6th Cycle Birthday Park, in a key 16-kilometre stretch where 61 canals carry trash into the river. Data gathered from the collected debris is helping researchers better understand plastic composition and improve upstream waste interception before it reaches the Gulf of Thailand.
Boyan Slat, founder and CEO of The Ocean Cleanup, said: “Our mission is to rid the world's oceans of plastic pollution, and we recognise that tackling the issue at its source—rivers—is essential. Through this strategic partnership, we are combining proven technology and global expertise with valuable local insights to generate meaningful, sustainable impact in Bangkok and beyond. This collaboration shows how innovation and committed local partnerships can transform the fight against plastic pollution on a global scale.”
Dr Pinsak Suraswadi of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources stated: “The success of Interceptor 019 marks a significant step forward in protecting Thailand’s marine and coastal ecosystems. Riverine plastic pollution directly affects ocean health, and this partnership provides research that can guide evidence-based policy and future conservation strategies. The 184,000 kg of trash prevented from entering the Gulf of Thailand is a tangible outcome of innovation combined with strong multi-stakeholder collaboration.
“Continued efforts to tackle plastic pollution will help protect endangered marine life, coral reefs, and the broader ocean ecosystem, while raising public awareness and fostering a sense of collective responsibility.”
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt added: “The Interceptor 019 project is now a key component of our waste management strategy for the Chao Phraya River. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is enhancing waste systems from household sorting to river waste removal. Technology, including the Interceptor, plays a vital role in ensuring long-term sustainability. BMA provides operational support for waste offloading and processing—handling 3,400 tonnes of riverine waste annually beyond what the Interceptor collects—while also running public awareness campaigns.”
Beyond its environmental impact, the project has played an important educational role, welcoming more than 450 visitors, including students, to learn about waste management and plastic prevention. It supports broader efforts to shape Bangkok into a more environmentally conscious city where waterways can flourish alongside urban development.
Reetima Rakyan, Vice President and General Manager of Coca-Cola Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia, said: “Coca-Cola is proud to contribute to this project as part of our regional partnership with The Ocean Cleanup. We are also supporting deployments in Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia, where our local teams help scale The Ocean Cleanup’s solutions.”
Government Leadership
The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) serves as the project’s key government liaison, coordinating between The Ocean Cleanup and Thai authorities, and validating the Interceptor’s performance. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration manages waste processing and public outreach, while the Marine Department ensures operational safety and compliance. The Expressway Authority of Thailand provides essential land access for the vessel’s mooring.
Implementation and Knowledge Partners
Asimar and its subsidiary Ecomarine oversee system operations and vessel maintenance, while Chulalongkorn University contributes world-class research. The Embassy of the Netherlands has offered vital diplomatic support throughout the five-year permitting process.
Financial Enablers
This environmental initiative is made possible through the financial support of the YP Foundation and Pathway Foundation, which funded Interceptor 019. Coca-Cola has also supported The Ocean Cleanup as a global implementation partner.