Core Viewpoint - Thailand's Ministry of Industry has announced a ban on the construction or expansion of factories using mercury and its compounds in production, effective September 1, 2023, to comply with the Minamata Convention on Mercury [1][2] Group 1: Regulatory Changes - The new regulation prohibits the establishment or expansion of factories that utilize mercury in their production processes [1] - The ban aims to control, reduce, and gradually eliminate the production, import, export, use, and emission of mercury [1][2] Group 2: Environmental and Health Impact - The implementation of the ban is expected to prevent mercury emissions into air, soil, and water, thereby protecting public health and the ecological environment [1] - The regulation is anticipated to improve environmental quality and public health while enhancing Thailand's international image in environmental protection [1] Group 3: Industry Preparedness and Future Outlook - The ban reflects the commitment of the Thai industrial sector to fulfill the Minamata Convention, with ongoing collaboration between authorities and businesses to prepare for the complete phase-out of mercury use [2] - The prohibition is expected to promote green industrial production, enhance international competitiveness, and achieve sustainable coexistence with local communities [2]