A growing pile of dead batteries is becoming a serious concern in Thailand. Without action, it risks escalating into a national crisis. However, with proper management, it could pave the way for a sustainable and prosperous economic future.
The rapid expansion of clean energy intensifies the challenge. Globally, electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems (ESS) are at the forefront of the green revolution, and Thailand is striving to keep pace. At the core of this transformation lies the critical role of batteries. However, batteries have a finite lifespan, and when they reach the end of their use, they don’t simply vanish. Instead, they turn into hazardous waste—posing severe environmental risks, economic burdens, and threats to public health. Without a robust and sustainable management system, Thailand may face a looming national crisis.
This is no distant threat. It is a ticking time bomb. In the past five years between 2020-2024, more than 600,000 electric vehicles (EVs) have been registered in Thailand. With an average EV battery life of 8–10 years, the country will face over 38,000 tonnes of EV waste batteries by 2031. This pile will rise to 160,000 tonnes by 2035. By 2045, it will approach 900,000 tonnes. The trend is accelerating. In the first eight months of this year alone, over 180,000 passenger EVs with up to seven seats were registered, according to the Department of Land Transport,. This makes 51.75% of new cars in this segment.
Imports tell the same story. In the past eight years, from 2017-2024, Thailand brought in more than 700,000 fully (CBU) and semi-assembled EVs (SKD), along with over 3,200 tonnes of parts (CKD) for local assembly.
During 2022-2024, Thailand also imported more than 1.7 million packs of lithium-ion batteries for EVs, along with over 100,000 nickel-metal hydride batteries.
These will start reaching the end of their lives after 2032. And it’s not just cars. Thailand also imports a huge number of electric bicycles, scooters, and mobile phones, all powered by batteries destined one day in waste. Overall, Thailand has imported over 3,900 tonnes of imported e-bikes, more than 21,000 e-scooters, and more than 120 million mobile phones that Thailand has imported. Altogether, Thailand has spent over 1.3 trillion baht importing batteries of all kinds. Yet the country still does not have a clear plan for what happens when these batteries reach the end of their lives.
What would happen if there are no viable measures to dispose of these toxic wastes?
The risks are severe. Toxic metals and chemicals would seep into the soil and water, damaging ecosystems and human health. The economy would also suffer, as valuable raw materials would be contaminated and go to waste. The government would have to spend heavily for to get rid of hazardous wastes or send them to other countries for disposal. Thailand would also remain at the mercy of volatile raw material prices, shaped by geopolitics in raw material supply. But every coin has two sides. From liability, battery waste could turn into a “treasure.” If properly harnessed, they could be the country’s new economic resource.
Those batteries contain valuable metals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel and manganese that can be processed and retrieved for uses by new industries. Recycling them not only saves the environment, but it also means new jobs, stronger GDP, and a healthier circular economy.
The question now is whether Thailand will allow battery waste to grow into a crisis, or turn it into an advantage that strengthens the economy and industry.
To avoid ending up with “mountains of dead batteries,” Thailand must act fast. Six steps stand out. First, the country needs clear-cut legislation to regulate the safe storage, reuse, and recycling of all types of batteries.
Next, producers and importers must be held responsible for end-of-life batteries through the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) principle in waste management instead of leaving the burden to the public.
In addition, a “Battery Passport” mechanism must be created to trace each battery throughout its life. Standards for new and recycled batteries, as well as recycling standards, must be raised to block poor-quality products.
Most importantly, the government must strictly regulate recycling plants, create a quality market for recycled materials, and require new batteries to contain a minimum level of recycled content. Furthermore, the country must invest in research and development of technologies to inspect, sort, and recycle batteries at low costs to accommodate Thailand’s condition and needs.
Other fundamental questions need careful examination before making policy decisions. Legally, must Thailand enact a completely new battery law or amend current legislation? Economically, who is going to pay for disposal? Socially, how can people be persuaded to bring back used batteries rather than reuse or repurposing them in ways that endanger leaks and contamination? Environmentally, should Thailand build its own recycling facilities or work with neighbours on a regional basis?
And perhaps the biggest question is this: should Thailand allow imports of waste batteries to make the recycling industry more cost-effective? If the government wants to push ahead, strict rules and safeguards will be crucial to prevent Thailand from being a dumping ground.
The choice is obvious. Mismanaged, dead batteries will poison soil, water, and lives, draining the economy along the way. Managed wisely, they could become a new power source to electrify jobs, industry, and Thailand’s long-term competitiveness.
The batteries for tomorrow’s green energy will one day die. What Thailand does with them could decide whether the country will have to face a toxic legacy or turn waste into the very fuel of economic power.
Nattaphorn Buayam is a researcher fellow, Pitnaree Polsomboon is a researcher at the Thailand Development and Research Institute (TDRI). Policy analyses from the TDRI appear in the Bangkok Post on alternate Wednesdays.
