Thailand’s First Climate Change Act
Thailand
for World Environment Day, June 5, 2026 and now under Council of State review, Thailand’s Climate Change Act is the most consequential piece of environmental legislation in the country’s modern …
Singapore
On May 11, 2026, the National Environment Agency (NEA) and the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) announced that unused international carbon credit (ICC) offset quotas may be carried …
Vietnam
On 17 January 2026, the Government issued Decree No. 23/2026/ND-CP, amending and supplementing a number of provisions of Decrees in the field of water resources, which took effect on the …
Vietnam
On 17 January 2026, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) issued Circular No. 06/2026/TT-BNNMT, amending and supplementing several provisions of circulars in the field of water resources. The Circular …
Singapore
On April 30, 2026, the Government of Singapore promulgated the following Act amending the Public Utilities Act 2001 and the Sewerage and Drainage Act 1999:
Philippines
On March 19, 2026, the Philippines enacted “DENR Administrative Order No. 2026-22: Amending Sections 16.1 and 16.3 of DENR Administrative Order No. 2017-15, Guidelines on Public Participation under the Philippine …
Malaysia
The Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) revealed, according to local media reports, that Malaysia’s long-debated National Climate Change Bill is in the final stages of drafting and …
Vietnam
On February 26, 2026, the Prime Minister of Vietnam issued Directive No. 07/CT-TTg on Promoting the Production, Blending, Distribution, and Use of Biofuels in Vietnam. Although the roadmap for applying …
Vietnam
On May 15, 2026, the Vietnamese General Department of Customs, under the Ministry of Finance issued Official Letter No. 16292/CHQ-GSQL to the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) to exchange information regarding …
Vietnam
According to official information from the Portal of the Ministry of Public Security, following verification and evidence collection processes, the Investigation Police Agency has officially decided to initiate criminal proceedings …
Singapore
On May 21, 2026, Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG) released TR 149:2026 Specification for Organisations to Progress Towards Environmental Sustainability Excellence. This technical reference provides a framework to help organizations understand their …
Indonesia
The Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries announced the “National Action Plan for the Protection and Management of Blue Carbon Ecosystems 2025-2030” on February 18, 2026. This policy aims …
Philippines
On April 22, 2026, the Philippines issues Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Circular No. 2026-0001, “Consolidated Amendments to the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD) as Adopted during the 40th to 42nd …
Thailand
On 11 May 2026, Thailand’s Department of Labour Protection and Welfare (“DLPW”) under the Ministry of Labour issued four notifications to comprehensively establish the criteria, procedures, and practical guidelines relating …
Vietnam
On April 3, 2026, the Prime Minister issued Decision 609/QD-TTg approving the National Program on Safety in Electricity Use for the period 2026 – 2035.
Singapore
The Government of Singapore promulgated the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act 2026 on May 11, 2026. This legislation partially amends the Energy Conservation Act 2012.
Malaysia
Malaysia has published the Environmental Quality (Amendment) Act 2026 on April 30, 2026, an amendment to the 1974 Environmental Quality Act 1974.
Vietnam
On 22 April 2026, the Vietnam Chemicals Agency (Vinachemia) under Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) issued Official Letter No. 813/HC‑CNHC to the General Department of Customs under the Ministry …
Indonesia
The Indonesian Ministry of Forestry promulgated “Ministry of Forestry Regulation No. 6/2026 regarding Procedures for Carbon Trading through Greenhouse Gas Emission Offsets in the Forestry Sector” on April 13, 2026, …
Thailand
On May 15, 2026, the Department of Industrial Works (DIW) under Thailand’s Ministry of Industry published a draft amendment to Hazardous Substance List No. 5, which is regulated by the …
Analysis of Textile Waste Situation in the Philippines
Philippines
Introduction to the Philippine Textile Sector The concept of a circular economy has gained increasing attention as countries seek to merge economic growth with environmental sustainability. Circular economy in the …
Singapore
The Government of Singapore promulgated two orders on April 30, 2026, partially amending the Environmental Protection and Management Act 1999:
Philippines
On March 18, 2026, the Philippine Department of Energy (DOE) issued guidelines to enhanced certification procedure for energy efficiency (EE) practitioners pursuant to the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (EEC …
Vietnam
On April 13, 2026, the Department of Innovation, Green Transition, and Industrial Promotion (Ministry of Industry and Trade) issued Official Letter No. 2542/BCT-DCK dated April 13, 2026,
Malaysia
Malaysia has proposed an amendment to the Companies Act 2016 on April 30, 2026, along with a public comment period until June 2.
Vietnam
On April 29, 2026, the Government issued Resolution No. 19/2026/NQ-CP to reduce, delegate, and simplify administrative procedures and business conditions under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
Thailand
Thailand’s Department of Labour Protection and Welfare has issued a new regulation on 1 May 2026 titled the “Announcement on Statements of Rights and Duties of Employers and Employees, Hazard …
Thailand, The Digital Economy’s Hidden Environmental Price Tag
Thailand
As Thailand races to become Southeast Asia’s AI hub, communities in the Eastern Economic Corridor are asking a question no one in government has yet answered: who is responsible for …
Indonesia
The National Standardization Agency of Indonesia published the “SNI 9437:2026 Guidelines for Questionnaire Surveys of Psychosocial Factors in the Workplace” on March 10, 2026.
Vietnam
In Vietnam, provincial and municipal People’s Committees are currently issuing the 2025 lists of major energy‑using facilities as needed, in order to implement the Law Amending and Supplementing Several Articles …
Singapore
The Singapore Green Building Council (SGBC) and the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) announced the Built Environment Decarbonisation Technology Roadmap on February 5, 2026.
Singapore
In March 2026, Singapore promulgated two regulations concerning the collection of beverage containers.
Thailand
Section 70 of the Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality Act B.E. 2535 (1992) requires owners or operators of certain pollution sources to install or provide wastewater treatment systems …
Vietnam
On 17 March 2026, the Customs Department of Region V (covering Bac Ninh, Bac Giang, Thai Nguyen, Bac Kan, and Tuyen Quang) issued the Official Document No. 490/HQKV5‑NVHQ, providing guidance …
Vietnam Publishes New Decree No. 110/2026/ND-CP on EPR Regulations
Vietnam
On April 1, 2026, the “Decree No. 110/2026/ND-CP on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for the recycling of products and packaging and the waste treatment obligations of producers and importers” (hereinafter …
On-site Insights: Technical Meeting on the Implementation of Vietnam’s Regulations on GHG Emissions and Ozone Layer Protection
Vietnam
On March 6, 2026, Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, together with Japan’s Ministry of the Environment, held a technical meeting to support the implementation of Decree No. 119/2025/ND-CP, which …
Singapore
Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG), governing enterprise development under the Ministry of Trade and Industry of Singapore, published the “SUSTAINABILITY PLAYBOOK FOR FOOD MANUFACTURERS” on April 21, 2026.
Indonesia
The Indonesian Ministry of Trade published and enforced the Minister of Trade Regulation No. 9 of 2026 on the Import of Products Made with Forced Labor on April 14, 2026.
Vietnam
On February 14, 2026, Vietnam’s Chemical Agency of the Ministry of Industry and Trade issued Official Letter No. 285/HC‑QLHC to withdrew the previously issued Official Letter No. 239/HC‑QLHC. Official Letter …
Vietnam
On 13 January 2026, the draft Decree detailing a number of articles and measures to organize and guide the implementation of Resolution No. 253/2025/QH15 on mechanisms and policies for national …
Singapore
On April 20, 2026, the National Environment Agency (NEA) of Singapore issued a notice announcing the implementation of regulations governing the domestic manufacture and import/export of 6 mercury-added products, which …
Vietnam
On March 23, 2026, Decree No. 83/2026/ND-CP was issued to amend and supplement a number of provisions of Decree No. 06/2022/ND-CP on GHG mitigation and ozone layer protection, as previously …
Vietnamese Customs’ and Local Customs Branches’ Views on the Request for 100% Disclosure of Ingredient Information for Imported Chemicals
Vietnam
On April 14, 2026, Vietnam’s General Department of Customs under the Ministry of Finance issued Official Letter No. 15269/CHQ‑GSQL to local customs branches regarding the disclosure of ingredient information for …
Indonesia
The Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources published the “Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Decision No. 113/2026 on the Phased Introduction of Biofuels” on March 3, 2026, which …
Singapore
On 10 February 2026, Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) issued a notification on the regulatory requirements for Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for Water‑Cooled Chilled Water Systems (WCCWS) under the …
Philippines
On 3 December 2025, the Quezon City Council enacted the Ordinance Promoting Textile Sustainability and Circularity for Economic, Environmental, and Social Development in Quezon City (Ordinance No. SP‑3472, S‑2025). After …
Vietnam
On February 27, 2026, the Hanoi People’s Committee issued Plan No. 74/KH-UBND on the conversion of fossil fuel-powered taxis to electric and clean energy taxis in Hanoi. Under this plan, …
Malaysia
The Customs (Prohibition of Imports) (Amendment) (No. 3) Order 2026 was published in Malaysia on March 31, 2026, and came into effect as of April 1, 2026. This amendment of …
Vietnam
On March 31, 2026, the Minister of Health issued Circular No. 05/2026/TT-BYT on the List of Prohibited Chemicals and the List of Hazardous Chemicals Requiring Disclosure in Insecticides and Disinfectants …
Vietnam
On 30 December 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) promulgated Circular No. 78/2025/TT-BNNMT amending and supplementing a number of articles of Circular No. 15/2014/TT-BTNMT regulating the formulation and …
Vietnam
On February 12, 2026, the Department of Customs issued Official Letter No. 11816/CHQ-GSQL, dated February 12, 2026, to regional Sub-departments of Customs, providing guidance on regulations regarding product labelling under …
Malaysia
The Malaysian Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) released a draft proposal to amend the Industry Code of Practice on Indoor Air Quality 2010 on March 16, 2026, and …
Vietnam
On March 16, 2026, the Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade issued Official Document No. 2016/SCT‑KTATMT, titled “Several Notes on the Implementation of Administrative Procedures for Issuing Import and Export …
The Chatree Gold Mine Verdict and Thailand’s Environmental Litigation Frontier
Thailand
Understanding the Chatree Case: A Decade in the Making On March 24th, 2026, the Bangkok Civil Court issued a verdict that reverberated far beyond the courtrooms of the Thai capital. …
Singapore
On March 6, 2026, the Singapore government released the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill. The bill partially revises the Energy Conservation Act of 2012 and newly proposes to include products imported …
Vietnam
On 13 January 2026, the draft Decree detailing a number of articles and measures to organize and guide the implementation of Resolution No. 253/2025/QH15 on mechanisms and policies for national …
Vietnam
On March 16, 2026, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) issued Document No. 0381/LDTM-PC, notifying stakeholders that the National Assembly’s Committee on Science, Technology, and Environment is reviewing …
Vietnam
On January 23, 2026, the Government issued Decree No. 37/2026/ND-CP to provide guidelines for the Law on Product and Goods Quality. Previously, on June 18, 2025, the National Assembly passed …
Vietnam
On February 27, 2026, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment issued Decision No. 699/QD-BNNMT on piloting the allocation of GHG emission for 2025 and 2026. The Decision takes effect from …
Indonesia
The Jakarta Special Capital Region Regulation No. 5/2026 on Energy and Water Efficiency in Buildings was promulgated and enforced on February 6, 2026, replacing the former “Jakarta Special Capital Region …
Non-Renewable Energy Policies and Their Impact on the Power Generation Mix in the Philippines
Philippines
Overview of Philippine Energy Energy plays a crucial role in the economic development and industrial growth of the Philippines. As electricity demand continues to increase due to population growth and …
Vietnam
On 9 February 2026, the Deputy Prime Minister of Viet Nam officially signed Decision No. 263/QD-TTg, approving the total pilot greenhouse gas (GHG) emission allocation for the 2025–2026 period. This …
Thailand
The Ministry of Industry of Thailand issued, on February 12, 2026, the “Ministry of Industry Notification: B.E. 2569 (2026) on the Establishment of Emission Standards for Air Pollutants Discharged from …
Vietnam
On March 16, 2026, the Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade issued Official Document No. 2016/SCT‑KTATMT, titled “Several Notes on the Implementation of Administrative Procedures for Issuing Import and Export …
Malaysia
In February 2026, Malaysia’s Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) released its Strategic Plan for 2026–2030 (PSP 2026–2030).
Vietnam
On 11 December 2025, the National Assembly promulgated Resolution No. 253/2025/QH15 on Mechanisms and Policies for National Energy Development for the 2026–2030 Period. The Resolution takes effect from 1 March …
Indonesia
The Indonesian environmental NGO “Dietplastik Indonesia” has released a report in February 2026 regarding the monitoring and enforcement of single-use plastic (SUP) regulations in the country. This report summarizes the …
Philippines
On February 24, 2026, the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) issued Administrative Order No. 2026‑05, titled Guidelines Governing the Establishment, and Monitoring of Voluntary Forest Carbon Credit …
Vietnam
On January 29, 2026, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of Vietnam promulgated “Circular No. 09/2026/TT-BNNMT on amendments and supplements to several provisions of Circular No. 02/2022/TT-BTNMT on the implementation …
Indonesia
The Indonesian Ministry of Industry issued the “Minister of Industry Regulation No. 2/2026 on Procedures for the Preparation and Approval of Environmental Management and Monitoring Plans for Businesses and/or Activities …
Thailand
The Ministry of Industry of Thailand, on February 12, 2026, issued the “Ministerial Notification: B.E. 2569 (2026) on the Requirement for Installing Special Equipment for Reporting Air Pollutants Emitted from …
Malaysia
The Malaysian Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) announced the ” Occupational Safety and Health Master Plan 2026-2030 (OSHMP30)” in February 2026. The department aims to reduce the number …
Vietnam
On 29 January 2026, The Government hereby promulgates “Decree 48/2026/ND-CP amending and supplementing certain Articles of the Government’s Decree No. 08/2022/ND-CP on elaboration of several Articles of the Law on …
Malaysia
The Malaysian Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) announced the ” Occupational Safety and Health Master Plan 2026-2030 (OSHMP30)” in February 2026. The department aims to reduce the number …
Vietnam
On December 31, 2025, the Ministry of Construction of Vietnam issued Circular No. 69/2025/TT-BXD on the display of energy labels for energy‑using equipment under the ministry’s jurisdiction. The circular sets …
Thailand
On February 10, 2026, Thailand’s Ministry of Finance, through the Excise Department, published four notifications in the Royal Thai Government Gazette concerning energy‑efficient hybrid vehicles (Hybrid Electric Vehicles) that use …
Vietnam
On February 25, 2026, the Vietnam Chemical Agency of the Ministry of Industry and Trade issued Notice No. 27/TB‑HC regarding the declaration of scheduled chemicals (Schedules 1–3), DOC, and DOC‑PSF …
The Crisis of Transboundary Pollution: Environmental Security and Thailand’s Strategic Challenges
Thailand
Understanding Transboundary Pollution and Its Impacts on Thailand In the era of rapid economic integration, environmental challenges have increasingly transcended national borders and have become one of the most significant …
Thailand
The Thai government published a royal decree in the Royal Gazette on March 2, 2026, granting an income tax deduction of up to 200,000 baht for the installation cost of …
Indonesia
On February 7, 2026, Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment and the Environmental Management Agency (KLH/BPLH) announced that it had imposed strict administrative sanctions—specifically, suspension of operations—on two companies in East Kalimantan. …
Vietnam
On December 26, 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of Vietnam issued Circular 75/2025/TT-BNNMT promulgating lists of approved and prohibited plant protection chemicals in Vietnam. This circular take effect …
Myanmar
Myanmar’s state-owned media “The Global New Light of Myanmar” has reported that the Pesticide Registration Board is banning all registration, import, sale, formulation, repackaging of Paraquat, a highly toxic pesticide …
Vietnam
On 21 January 2026, the Government issued Decree No. 30/2026/NĐ-CP, detailing and guiding the implementation of the Law on Economical and Efficient Use of Energy. The Decree takes effect from …
Indonesia
On January 22, 2026, Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment and the Environmental Management Agency (KLH/BPLH) announced emergency measures requiring eight companies located in Jabodetabek (the Greater Jakarta area) to halt the …
Vietnam
On November 19, 2025, the Vietnamese Government issued Decision No. 2530/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister: Approving the National Action Plan on Air Pollution Remediation and Air Quality Management for the …
Vietnam
On January 18, 2026, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) issued Decision No. 87/QD-BCT (2026). This Decision announces new, amended, and abolished administrative procedures within the chemical sector under the …
The Philippines at COP30: Policy Proposals and Strategic Climate Priorities
Philippines
What is COP30? The Thirtieth Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which took place in Belém, Brazil from November 10-21, 2025, …
Malaysia
Malaysia has published the Fire Services (Fire-fighting Equipment or Fire Safety Installation) Regulations 2026 on January 30, 2026. Under the Fire Services Act 1988 and its 2025 amendment, all installed …
Thailand
On January 21, 2026, Thailand’s National Environment Board promulgated the “Notification of the National Environment Board: B.E. 2569 (2026) on the Establishment of Air Quality Standards for General Ambient Air.” …
Indonesia
On February 13, 2026, the Indonesian Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) notified through WTO/TBT regarding the “Draft Regulation of the Halal Product Assurance Agency regarding the Forms and Methods of …
Singapore
On February 3, 2026, Coastal Protection and Other Amendments Bill was introduced in Singapore’s Parliament that would legally require coastal landowners to carry out protective and retrofitting measures to safeguard …
Philippines
On January 13, 2026, the Philippine Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) signed Joint Memorandum Circular No. 001, series of 2026: Streamlined requirements and processing of permits, licenses, …
Vietnam
On January 17, 2026, the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam promulgated Circular No. 02/2026/TT‑BCT, “Guidance on the Implementation of the Chemicals Law and Decree No. 25/2026/ND‑CP on the …
Malaysia
The National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) of Malaysia, following amendments to the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD: ASEAN Cosmetic Directive) pursuant to the 42nd ASEAN Cosmetic Commission (ACC) Meeting, has promulgated …
Philippines
On February 3, 2026, the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published the “Draft Administrative Order: General Guidelines on the Regulatory Compliance of Food Contact Articles (FCA) Used for Prepackaged …
Vietnam
On January 17, 2026, the Government of Vietnam promulgated Decree No. 25/2026/ND‑CP, “Detailing Regulations on the Development of the Chemical Industry and the Safety and Security of Chemical Substances under …
Philippines
On January 8, 2026, the Philippine Department of Energy (DOE) issued the “Revised Implementing Guidelines of the Philippine Transport Vehicles Fuel Economy Labeling Program on Registration Procedures and Compliance Mechanism.”
Thailand
The Thai Ministry of Public Health on December 18, 2025, promulgated the “Ministerial Notification: B.E. 2568 (2025) on Criteria, Procedures, and Conditions for Exempting the Use of Hazardous Substances under …
Philippines
On December 23, 2025, the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 16, Series of 2025: Adoption of Philippine Financial Reporting Standards (PFRS) on Sustainability Disclosures …
On-Site Insights: Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade Holds Briefing on the 2025 Law on Chemicals and Newly Issued Decrees/Circulars
Vietnam
On February 1, 2026, the Hanoi Chemical Association, in cooperation with the Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade (DOIT), held a briefing and Q&A session on the “2025 Law on …
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