Motorcyclist protests plastic ban policy
Images adapted from: Nationtv.tv, Line
After the plastic bag ban went into effect at the start of 2020, many people have been rejoicing the fact that Thailand was finally picking up on the going green movement. However, not everybody is happy with this policy.
Over the weekend, a viral post showed a man driving his scooter into a mini Tesco Lotus in Pathum Thani, Thailand, and filling up the vehicle’s under-seat storage with groceries he’d bought from the store.
Image adapted from: Line
฿3 plastic bags angered him
The post had been shared over 5,000 times before it was deleted
Image adapted from: Matichon
The man’s caption revealed that he was not happy with Tesco for selling a plastic bag for ฿3: “[Government] doesn’t want people to use plastic bags, but allows [Tesco Lotus] sell it?”
After the post went viral, Thai netizens rallied to criticise the man’s thoughtless behaviour while some expressed sympathy for the Tesco staff who would have to clean the floor afterwards.
Translation: I feel sorry for the staff who would need to clean up all the dirt after you. If you don’t agree with this policy, go to the stores that still give out plastic bags, they’re aplenty. It’s better than creating a problem for other people.
Translation: [You] didn’t take part in a solution, yet found a way to create a problem. Of course, this was not illegal, but it was also not decent. Jerk.
Translation: So… you think you’re cool huh? Well, it’s not. More like asking for stones here. I don’t know how people could do such a thing.
Tesco Lotus’s “Bag For Life” campaign
Since we’ve shed light on a somewhat negative topic, we want to redeem this matter by talking about Tesco Lotus’s positive campaign instead, which is helping reduce usage of single-use plastic bags.
It’s true that Tesco Lotus is selling small plastic bags for ฿3 while the big ones are ฿5, but the bags are thick and durable, and good for multiple uses.
Image credit: Thebangkokinsight
The best part is that after your Lotus plastic bags become worn out or torn apart, you can exchange it for new ones free of charge. As for the old bags, they will send them to be recycled – that’s awesome.
The campaign runs from today to 31st March 2020. After this date, you will need to pay to get new bags. This is a good incentive for people to bring their own shopping bags in the future.
Change is not always going to be easy and it often takes a lot of time to get used to. And if you, like this man, find it hard to adapt, take your time to learn more about the problem – just don’t drive into any convenience stores and cause a ruckus.
Enjoying The Smart Local Thailand? Follow us on Instagram at @TheSmartLocalTH for more local stories in Thailand!
Drop us your email so you won't miss the latest news.
