Bangkok: Supajee views Trump's announcement of a two-week halt to attacks on Iran positively, and says they will move forward with addressing the plastic pellet crisis. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, Supajee Suthamphan, expressed optimism about the US announcement and chaired a meeting with government officials to discuss guidelines for managing plastic pellets. This move follows a two-week ceasefire with Iran, which Supajee described as a positive development, allowing better control and monitoring of goods' origins.
According to Thai News Agency, Supajee emphasized the importance of monitoring controlled goods to ensure their availability and manage costs effectively. She reiterated that a ceasefire would aid these efforts. The meeting focused on the status of plastic pellets, recently declared controlled goods. Supajee noted the necessity of discussions with manufacturers to assess stock levels and understand the reasons behind recent price increases. Acknowledging a shortage, she called for imports of raw materials and highlighted the need for collaboration with the Ministry of Industry.
Supajee also stressed the importance of focusing on various types of plastic pellets and promoting recycling efforts, as Thailand currently recycles only 20% of its plastic waste. The meeting saw attendance from key figures, including Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Industry; Mr. Wutikrai Leewiraphan, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Chairman of PTT Public Company Limited; and Mr. Nattapol Rangsitpol, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry.