Status: Approved
Timeframe: 2026-2027
Area: Thailand
AIIB Investment Amount: 63 million USD
Total Project Cost: 677 million USD
Co-financier: Asian Development Bank
E&S Category: B
Project details: The Project involves the development, construction, and operation of 12 industrial waste to energy (IWTE) power plants in Thailand.
Project Concerns:
Environmental
The project involves 12 industrial WTE plants using industrial solid recovered fuel (SRF), including fossil-based plastics. WTE incineration emits hazardous pollutants at all stages, including persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as dioxins and furans, known to cause cancer, neurological damage, and endocrine disruption.
Additional emissions include heavy metals, sulfur and nitrogen oxides, PFAS, volatile organic compounds, particulate matter, microplastics, and greenhouse gases.
The European Union has excluded WTE from its sustainable finance taxonomy, citing its harm to circular economy goals and waste reduction.
Social and human rights
The plants are located near residential and economic areas, raising concerns about public health and livelihoods. Local opposition is strong due to health risks and inadequate consultation.
Five sites are under investigation by the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand for flawed public hearings and the alleged use of security forces to suppress dissent. The sponsor, Gulf Development Public Company Limited, has a documented history of SLAPP suits targeting critics and community members.
CSO reports:
GAIA & NGO Forum on ADB (2025): Letter to ADB Board
GAIA (2019): "Pollution and health impacts of Waste to Energy Incineration"
Organization monitoring: GAIA
Further information: AIIB Page, ADB Page
Last update: 15.01.2026
