News Archive

On May 7, 2023 scores of members of the Asian Ban Asbestos Network (ABAN) met at their 2023 conference in Bangkok; other ABAN members monitored the event online. The meeting was sponsored by the Solidarity Center (AFL-CIO), the International Ban Asbestos Secretariat, ABAN, ANROEV, the Asia Monitor Resource Center, the Building and Wood Workers International, Australia’s Union Aid Abroad (APHEDA), and Work and Environment Related Patients (WEPT), Thailand. More information on this conference will be provided in due course. See: ABAN Group Photo from 2023 Conference.

Asbestos Alert!

Sep 5, 2022

The international scandal over Johnson & Johnson’s asbestos-contaminated talc-based baby powder and the company’s announcement that it would withdraw this toxic product from sale in 2023 in all global markets was the starting point for an article about the hazard posed to people in Thailand from the country’s ongoing use of asbestos-containing building, automotive and other products. According to medical expert Dr. Somkiat Siriruttanapruk “We’ve found that about 80% of people with mesothelioma [the signature cancer associated with asbestos exposure] have been exposed to asbestos… You should avoid using products that contain asbestos, so we can bring a halt to asbestos-related diseases. Safer alternatives to asbestos are now available.” See: Hidden danger: how asbestos can harm our health.

Asbestos Marketing Drive in Thailand

Aug 2, 2022

According to the article cited below, a spokesperson for the largest asbestos conglomerate in Thailand believed that local building material producers were looking to increase asbestos imports from Russia from 40,000 tons per year to 200,000 tons per year. Three thousand Thai workers are currently employed by asbestos companies; this figure could increase to 5,000, the company spokesperson predicted. Thailand could, he said “become a kind of regional hub for the production of asbestos products in Southeast Asia. ‘Currently, we are exporting finished asbestos products to neighboring countries’”. See: Производители в Таиланде заинтересованы в наращивании объемов поставок асбеста из России [Producers in Thailand are interested in increasing the volume of asbestos supplies from Russia].

Call for Asbestos Ban in Thailand

Dec 6, 2021

An article on the news portal of the Pattaya Mail highlighted the fact that despite a government commitment to ban asbestos in 2000, no action had been taken to implement prohibitions. In recognition of this lapse, a session entitled Asbestos-Free Thailand was held by the Public Relations Department of the Thai National Health Assembly to consider actions to progress this vital safeguard for Thai citizens. Speakers at the event included: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health Anutin Charnvirakul, Public Relations Department Director-General Lt. Gen. Sansern Kaewkamnerd, and National Health Commission Office Deputy Secretary-General Prida Tae-arak. See: Forum held to realize ‘Asbestos-free Thailand’.

Asbestos Ban Resolution

Feb 27, 2020

A resolution submitted to the 12th National Health Assembly of Thailand in December 2019 called for a complete ban on the use of all types of asbestos. The proposal requested that government agencies and ministries take steps to: prohibit asbestos use by 2025 at the latest, support the use of safer alternatives, raise awareness of the health hazard, issue guidelines for the safe disposal of asbestos waste and develop systems for diagnosing asbestos-related diseases and compensating the injured. In order to implement the provisions of the proposal, approval from the National Health Commission and the Thai cabinet is required. See: Revision of National Health Assembly Resolution: Thailand ban asbestos measure.

Asbestos Public Health Risk

Jun 19, 2019

An article uploaded to the web on May 31, 2019 documented evidence accumulated by researchers in Thailand who identified chrysotile asbestos bodies (AB) in autopsy lung tissue from the general population. The levels found were, the scientists said, consistent with non-occupational asbestos exposures: “AB was detected in 48.5% of individuals sampled from the Thai population with a concentration of 0.19-14.4 AB/g wet lung tissue. AB was identified in the lung of a 1.5 year-old infant showing the potential for exposure at an early age. No significant correlation between age, gender or occupation and the asbestos burden was obtained from this study.” See: Asbestos Bodies Burden in the Autopsy Lung Tissue from General Thai Population.

Banning Asbestos in Thailand

Oct 22, 2018

This paper examines the twists and turns on the road to banning asbestos in Thailand, highlighting the apparent inability of the National Health Assembly “to enforce implementation, especially when power and authority lie with state actors…” The authors conclude that to protect the health of citizens “participatory policy-making and effective governance of multisectoral action throughout implementation” is required to confront counterpressure from domestic and foreign vested interests such as that exerted by international asbestos lobbyists. See: Multisectoral governance for health: challenges in implementing a total ban on chrysotile asbestos in Thailand.

Asbestos Hazard: Thailand

Jul 25, 2017

On July 24, Canadian and Thai colleagues took part in an International Asbestos Seminar entitled Canadian Ban Asbestos Policy 2018, at Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok. Featured speakers included Associate Prof. Dr Yv Bonnier Viger (Canada), Prof. Dr Pornchai Sithisarankul, Associate Prof. Dr Wantanee Phanprasit and representatives of the National Health Commission, the Department of Disease Control, the Council of Work and Environment Related Patient Network and government units. The prime focus of the day was to understand national strategies for minimising the occurrence of asbestos-related diseases through banning asbestos use. See photo: Invitation to Thailand Asbestos Seminar.

Challenges for Thailand’s Asbestos Policy

Aug 29, 2016

On August 25, 2016 a session entitled: Future Challenges for Asbestos Policy in Thailand took place in Bangkok. This event was organized by The Health Consumer Protection Program from Chulalongkorn University and was attended by academics, government officials and representatives of civil society. The purpose of the meeting was to share information about the asbestos situation in Japan and Thailand with a particular focus on issues relating to the construction and demolition industries and natural disasters. Japanese Professor Kasuhiko Ishihara – co-author of the book “Asbestos Disaster” – made the keynote presentation. See: Conference Agenda and photograph of participants.

Call for Asbestos Ban

Sep 14, 2015

A press release issued on September 12, 2015 by the (Thai) National Health Commission (NHC) called for the “global blacklisting” of chrysotile (white) asbestos and urged stakeholders including the NHC, the Ministry of Public Health, the Thai Health Promotion Foundation and consumer protection organizations to share information to protect at-risk construction and other Thai workers. The NHC statement detailed several initiatives it had taken to progress the categorization of chrysotile as a type 4 hazardous substance for which production, import, export and possession are banned. See: NHCO demands asbestos to be blacklisted and Thailand insists on its dangers in global forums.

Action on Asbestos Stalemate?

Jul 6, 2015

The Thai Government agreed to ban asbestos in 2010, yet no ban has been adopted. This failure to act was highlighted in a recent statement by the National Health Commission (NHC); steps are now being taken by the NHC to coordinate action on this and other policy decisions. Confirming the continuation of pressure by asbestos stakeholders at a July 3 NHC meeting, Thailand’s Vice Prime Minister said that according to the Canadian Ambassador chrysotile asbestos from Canada was still being sold to Thailand. See: NHC has the health minister to push for the implementation of resolutions from the National Health Assembly.

The Ties that Kill

Jan 10 2015

The Bangkok Post today reported the support of Thailand's industry minister Chakramon Phasukavanich for increased financial links with Russia, the country which supplies 80% of all asbestos imports to Thailand. From January to November 2014, Thailand purchased 525 million baht (US$16m) of Russian asbestos. Commenting on this trade, the Minister said: “If the use of asbestos is banned… the burden to replace all products that contain asbestos would fall on the government. This would require a lot of money.” In none of the countries that banned asbestos has this happened. See: Russia keen on closer ties.

Editorial Calling for Asbestos Ban

Jan 5, 2015

On January 4, 2015, the Bangkok Post issued a stinging rebuke to the Thai government for its failure in December 2014 to adopt a proposal by the Public Health Ministry to ban the use of asbestos. Having acknowledged the pro-ban stance of leading international agencies and the health risks posed by continued use, the article highlights the efforts of Professor Vithaya Kulsomboon, a leading anti-asbestos campaigner and member of the National Legislative Assembly. The fight by national vested interests to maintain the status quo is strengthened by international forces; it is suggested that trade links with Russia might be jeopardized by unilateral action. See: Asbestos inertia will cost lives.

Battle to Ban Asbestos

Dec 7, 2014

A feature in the Bangkok Post on November 30, 2014 detailed the country’s ongoing battle over the future of the country’s asbestos industry. Despite a 2011 pledge given by the Cabinet to ban asbestos, no steps have been taken to implement prohibitions. The stakes are high and the opposition of vested interests to a ban remains fierce. Last month’s international asbestos conference in Bangkok was gatecrashed by the managing director of one of Thailand’s biggest asbestos manufacturers. Despite the aggressive stance of the Thai asbestos lobby, the Industry Ministry has introduced a new bill to ban asbestos in order to protect public and occupational health. See: The battle to ban asbestos.

Calls for Asbestos Ban

Oct 11, 2014

A report in the Thai media today details the support of the Federation of Occupational Health, Safety and Environment at Work, a member of the Thailand Ban Asbestos Network, for an immediate and comprehensive ban on the use of asbestos in Thailand. The consortium of groups calling for a ban reacted positively to a 2011 statement by the Thai cabinet supporting this action but nothing productive has been achieved due to political roadblocks since then. Industry’s dire predictions regarding the economic impact of a ban are groundless say critics as the cost of asbestos and non-asbestos roofing are the same. See: Work group promotes asbestos ban.

Dialogue on Asbestos Risk

Oct 6, 2014

On October 4, two films were shown in Bangkok which highlighted the asbestos hazard. One was a documentary, entitled Dust: The Great Asbestos Trial, about Italy’s epidemic of asbestos disease and death; the other was a 10 minute film detailing the health risk posed by the use of chrysotile (white) asbestos in Thailand. The films were also viewable via an internet link. After the showing, there was a seminar held by the Thailand Ban Asbestos Network (see photo: T-BAN supporters) during which experts substantiated the hazard asbestos poses and called for an immediate ban. An asbestos lobbyist said that chrysotile asbestos did not present a health hazard. The event was covered by Thai TV.

Industry Pressure Delays Ban?

Sep 16, 2014

Despite a government pledge to ban asbestos made more than three years ago, no action has been taken. News is now circulating that the Ministry of Industry has issued a proposal to Minister Chakkamon Pasukwanit to implement a phased ban on asbestos products with the use of the first group – for wall linings, ceilings, doors and floor tiles – to be prohibited in two years while the second group – roof tiles, cement pipes, brake and clutch parts – will be banned in five years. Thai ban asbestos activists have expressed serious criticisms of this plan saying asbestos is a known killer and should be banned immediately. See: Delay in Asbestos Ban.

Lobbying for Asbestos Ban

Aug 13, 2014

On August 8, 2014, representatives of the Thailand Ban Asbestos Network (T-BAN) petitioned the Ministry of Industry (MOI) for an immediate ban on the use of asbestos, support for the use of safer materials, a national fund for victims and implementation of preventative measures and medical protocols. (see: T-BAN Statement). Commenting on the meeting, T-BAN representative Mrs. Somboon Seekamdokkae said “We asked the MOI to think about Thai people’s health and after 70 years, not to give the industry more time to kill citizens from asbestos-related diseases.” Sakda Pankla, the deputy director-general of the Department of Industrial Works, received the T-BAN delegation (see: photo of the meeting).

Calls for Thai Government Action

Jul 22, 2014

A letter faxed on July 21, 2014 to the Thai authorities by representatives of the Asian Ban Asbestos Network and the International Ban Asbestos Secretariat is today (July 22) featured in an online article on a Thai website. In the run-up to a crucial meeting in August 2014, the letter, which was translated into Thai (see: English version of letter), urges the Head of the National Council for Peace and Order General Prayut Chanocha to support the April 2011 decision by the Thai Government to ban the import of asbestos on the grounds of public health – to avoid a tsunami of avoidable and deadly disease. See: International Calls for Thai asbestos ban.

Industry Lobby Blocks Asbestos Ban

Jan 24, 2014

In a paper commissioned by the International Labor Organization, the destructive role played by the asbestos lobby is highlighted. Author Somkiat Siriruttanapruk states: “In spite of policy commitments by the previous Government, the deadline for banning asbestos in the country has been postponed on a number of occasions… the continuous interruption of the process by pro-asbestos agencies (both international and local) is a major obstacle. Consequently, despite considerable support from several alliances and the public, making the national asbestos ban a reality is still a long way off.” See: Strategy and implementation of the programme for the prevention and control of pneumoconiosis in Thailand.

Demonstration at Ministry of Health

Dec 24, 2013

Scores of members of the Thailand Ban Asbestos Network (T-BAN), today mounted a protest outside the Ministry of Health (MoH) in Bangkok to condemn the continued use of asbestos more than two years after a cabinet resolution was adopted supporting a ban. The demonstrators read out a statement which criticised the status quo and the position of an interim MoH's official who supported it (see: T-BAN Statement). It is understood that the controversial report supporting the use of chrysotile will not be submitted to the cabinet. T-BAN is calling for full disclosure relating to the actions of this official.

Government Committee Whitewash

Jul 30, 2013

On July 29, a Committee of the Public Health Ministry said that it could find no evidence about the risk of asbestos use to Thai citizens. The study undertaken under the leadership of Dr. Charnwit Tharathep has been soundly ridiculed in the pages of the Bangkok Post by all the posts which have been uploaded. One critic wrote: "K. Chanwit. Could you publish your research methodology. Thailand is the only country that I know who could not link asbestos to cancer. Back in the USA, asbestos producing cos have gone out of business. There have been lots of compensation paid to the inflicted." See: Asbestos variant safe, govt claims.

Bangkok Asbestos Protest

Jul 10, 2013

On July 8, 2013, 120 members of the Thailand Ban Asbestos Network (TBAN) demonstrated outside the Prime Minister's office in Bangkok about government proposals to delay the ban on the use of asbestos-cement products for five years. TBAN is pressing for government action to prohibit the import of chrysotile asbestos by the end of this year, to stop asbestos-cement production in 2014 and to ban all imports of asbestos-cement material in 2015. Professor Surasak informed the demonstrators that a case of mesothelioma has been diagnosed at Thailand's Thmmasart Hospital. See: Picture of TBAN July 8 protest.

Russian Threat to Thai Ban

Apr 29, 2013

Russian strategists are using threats of unofficial economic sanctions against Thailand to press the government to backtrack on a commitment to ban asbestos made more than two years ago. An article in today's Bangkok Post documents the use of discredited asbestos industry propaganda and the slurs being made against ban asbestos campaigners who are accused of fronting for international companies interested in selling asbestos-free products. Russian official Vladimir Romano's comments promoting the continued use of Russian chrysotile state that chrysotile is cheap and ecological. The Russians are calling for bilateral talks on chrysotile. See: Russia presents case for chrysotile.

Thai Editorial Supports Asbestos Ban

Apr 26, 2013

An editorial in yesterday's Bangkok Post condemned the Public Health Ministry's refusal "to recognise that asbestos, a known human carcinogen used in construction materials, is dangerous to health." Earlier this month, a Ministry official said that the evidence regarding the human health hazard of asbestos remains inconclusive despite the fact that the Thai Cabinet had accepted this fact more than two years ago. Increasing pressure by asbestos lobbyists is responsible for the Thai Government's continued inaction. The editorial says that the Ministry must accept "asbestos as a health hazard, which has long been acknowledged worldwide." See: Asbestos kills, that's for sure.

Asbestos meeting in Bangkok

Apr 17, 2013

Civil society representatives met with ministerial officials in Bangkok today to press the Thai Cabinet to honor its commitment to ban asbestos. Academics presented news of research findings which highlighted the increased lung cancer risk to asbestos-exposed populations with high levels of tobacco use. The failure to follow-up on the Cabinet ban asbestos resolution, which was adopted more than two years ago, is believed to have been caused by pressure exerted by Russian government and commercial representatives. See: Scientific Research Integrity and Thailand Asbestos Status Quo: 2013.

New Calls to Ban Asbestos

Feb 13, 2013

On Monday, February 11, 2013 a public meeting took place in Bangkok at which the Thai translation of the IBAS monograph Eternit & The Great Asbestos Trial was launched. The timing of this event is quite remarkable as it came just three days before appeal proceedings were due to begin of the Italian case which is at the center of this book. In Bangkok, Dr Vichai Chokewiwat, one of the editors of the Thai text, commented on the relevance of this book to the Thai experience; highlighting the deadly consequences which resulted from the production and use of asbestos-cement products in Italy. Speakers and delegates at the session called on the Thai government to immediately ban asbestos. See: online Thai Report.

Raising Asbestos Awareness

Jan 25, 2013

Mahaphant, a Thai company which now makes non-asbestos building products, has uploaded to YouTube a commercial that was first broadcast on primetime Thai TV in December 2012. The purpose of the ad was, the company has said, to educate Thai society about the asbestos cancer risk. In the film, thugs threaten a homeowner over an unpaid debt. They tie him up and start wrecking his house saying he is going to die. The victim, now wearing a gas mask, tells the gang leader he is going to die because of all the asbestos dust released in the attack. See: Thai TV advertisement and also new (2013) commercial.

Asbestos Ban Delayed

Dec 30, 2012

Industry stakeholders from Thailand and Russia have continued the pressure on the Thai authorities to delay introducing the implementation of measures to phase out the use of asbestos, according to members of the Thailand Ban Asbestos Network (T-BAN). During the last week of December, T-BAN representatives participated in a ministerial meeting at which Ministry of Industry spokesmen supported the arguments of asbestos vested interests opposed to the ban. Another meeting will be held in January on this subject. T-BAN remains committed to the goal of ending the use of asbestos throughout the country by the end of 2013.

Ban Asbestos Demonstration

Nov 14, 2012

Today (November 14, 2012), the Thailand Ban Asbestos Network (TBAN) campaign stepped up a gear with a well-supported demonstration in Bangkok by victims of occupational disease, members of consumer and worker groups and their supporters, outside the offices of the Ministry of Industry. It was an energetic display with banners and flowers which culminated in the presentation of a petition for an immediate asbestos ban to a civil servant representing Mr Prasert Boonchaisook, the new Thai Minister of Industry.

Activists Lobby Prime Minister

Oct 17, 2012

On Monday (October 15), representatives of the Thailand Ban Asbestos Network (TBAN) urged officials from the Prime Minister's office to immediately ban the import, use and sale of asbestos. Although the Thai Government had announced plans to prohibit asbestos use in a government resolution issued on April 12, 2011, no steps have been taken to implement that decision. Since then, the Thai asbestos lobby has been exerting pressure on the government to allow a 5-year phase-out period. TBAN is calling on the government to honor its pledge to end all asbestos use within the coming months. See: Thailand: Update on Ban Asbestos Campaign and also picture of October 15 meeting.

Noose Tightens on Asbestos Use

Aug 13, 2012

As Thailand continues on the road to a national asbestos ban, the Consumer Protection Board (CPB) today announced that stricter requirements are being implemented on the labelling of asbestos-containing products. In 2009 the CPB ordered that items containing asbestos must be labelled; one year later, CPB rules were tightened when it mandated cancer warnings on these products. A legal complaint filed by manufacturers over this requirement was dismissed by the court last week. There is mounting support from the public, academics and trade unions in Thailand for a national asbestos ban. See: Consumer board requires stricter asbestos labelling.

Thailand's Asbestos Parasites

Jul 5, 2012

Calls for a further 5-year delay in implementing an asbestos ban, already approved by the Government, have been reported in a Bangkok Post article. Using a standard industry ploy, commercial stakeholders are demanding "more detailed studies," to create confusion and forestall restrictions on asbestos sales. In light of the rearguard action to derail the ban, it is no surprise to learn that Ulan Global Marketing Co. Ltd. is the major investor in a new Quebec asbestos mine, owning 50% of the shares. Thai asbestos investors must have more than a little inkling that asbestos use will continue in Thailand for the foreseeable future. See: Thailand's Asbestos Liars.

Calls to End Asbestos Exposure

May 29, 2012

The English translation of the Thai declaration adopted by a conference organized to mark National Safety Day in Bangkok on May 10, 2012 has now been issued. The May 10 event and declaration are initiatives of the Thailand Ban Asbestos Network; a range of government actions which recognize the serious and urgent nature of the country's asbestos challenge, including a ban on the import of chrysotile and chrysotile-containing products and the establishment of "The Institute Promoting Occupational Health and Safety in the Work Environment," is called for. See: English version of T_BAN Declaration.

WHO Press Conference

May 26, 2012

A press conference held by the World Health Organization (WHO) at the Grand China Princess Hotel in Bangkok on May 24, 2012 reaffirmed the international agency's concern about the human health hazard posed by the use of all asbestos fiber types including chrysotile. WHO, along with the International Labor Organization and other intergovernmental organizations, have publicly declared that "the most efficient way to eliminate asbestos-related diseases is to stop the use of all types of asbestos." See: WHO position on asbestos and Thailand's Asbestos Liars.

Ban Asbestos Conference

May 10, 2 012

A conference attended by 250 people took place today in Bangkok, organized by the Thailand Ban Asbestos Network (T-Ban). In a declaration issued by delegates, immediate action to implement government proposals to ban asbestos was demanded to protect workers and citizens from the hazards of exposure to asbestos. The policies of international agencies such as the ILO and the WHO, both of which acknowledge the links between asbestos exposure and various cancers and respiratory diseases, were referenced by T-Ban to substantiate the global consensus supporting the worldwide banning of asbestos. See: T-Ban Declaration May 10, 2012.

Asbestos Comic and Toy House

March 7, 2012

Innovative resources in Thai and English have been uploaded to the Thai “No Asbestos” website which include a “Say No to Asbestos Comic” and a colourful toy house showing the location of common asbestos-containing products. This website is operated by the Health Consumer Protection Project, an independent and collaborative project between Chulalongkorn University, Thailand’s first institution of higher learning, and the Thai Health Promotion Foundation. These groups are leading the campaign to raise public and professional awareness of the health hazard posed by Thailand’s consumption of asbestos. See: Asbestos Comic and Asbestos Toy House.

Thailand Bans Asbestos

May 4, 2011

In the aftermath of recent discussions amongst members of the Thai Government (See: Progress on Thailand Asbestos Ban), confirmation has been obtained that the Thai Cabinet has approved a resolution proposed by the National Health Commission to ban the use of asbestos. Imports of asbestos will be illegal from 2011 and the sale of all asbestos products will be banned from 2012! Although documentation on these developments is not yet available in English, this news been relayed by an observer in Thailand.

Thailand Considers Asbestos Ban

Apr 12, 2011

Thailand's Cabinet is today in discussion about implementing a national ban on asbestos, having studied submissions by the National Health Commission (NHC). If the prohibitions are adopted, the import and use of all types of asbestos will be forbidden in all products including textiles, friction, insulation and construction material. The NHC's Secretary-General Dr Amphon Jindawattana has said that "Thailand must move to a non-asbestos organic society by the year 2012 [and] all asbestos must be totally banned in Thailand." According to NHC estimates, asbestos consumption in Thailand will lead to an explosion in asbestos-related lung cancer. See: The Nation online report.

Government Action on Asbestos Ban

Feb 13, 2011

Following discussions at the 3rd National Health Assembly (NHA) in December 2010, talks are progressing about the implementation of an asbestos ban in Thailand. The proposals under consideration are in line with the NHA pro-ban consensus: "Scientific evidence has revealed that all types of asbestos are health hazards, not only for workers in the manufacturing plants but also for users of the material ... The assembly proposes that the Industry Ministry outlaws the material by 2011, whether in import and export, possession or manufacturing… The government should set an example by prohibiting asbestos in future construction of government buildings." See: NHA Resolutions