Municipal Solid Waste Management in Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in North Thailand

In the present era, municipal solid waste (MSW) is a huge issue to both the governance aspect and physical component. This research aims to investigate the municipal solid waste management (MSWM) in the Special EconomicZone (SEZ) of Chiang Rai Province usingStrengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis. The economic growth of SEZareaswasincreased of the number of tourists, andinvestment as well as the MSW problems. The results of SWOT analysis was indicated that the budget for MSWMwas adequate, butthe technology for waste collection, separation, and disposal method were a drawback of MSWM in SEZ. The public participation in MSWM system was effective factor to strategic planning especially in local administration level. Providing the knowledge of 3Rs (reduce, reuse, and recycle), and zero-waste policy to community network, it was enhanced the public awareness in MSW separation at sources which resulting in reduce the amount of MSW was transferred to final disposal or landfill site. These findings may help to establish a SWMin practical and effective policy applied in SEZ areas.