The impact of pollution on Thailand is mounting. Bangkok has endured hundreds of school closures as air turned toxic. The government flew transport planes to promote cloud seeding and ground spraying (to settle dust). Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha recently noted that the country might follow the thinking of Indonesia and other countries by moving the capitol out of Bangkok to help relieve congestion and pollution. As awareness of Thailand's environmental conditions spread, the impact on tourism could be severe, with a report by Kasikorn Research indicating a potential loss of 1%-2% of foreign tourists per month with a lost opportunity cost of up to $109 million.

Help Arrives

With demand and general need rapidly rising in Thailand, S&SE has moved to open its first regional presence in Bangkok. S&SE is a worldwide manufacturer and supplier specializing in regenerative thermal oxidizers (RTOs) and air pollution abatement systems. RTOs are particularly effective in combating volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, which are one of smog's most toxic components.

With the opening of its Thailand presence, S&SE received a significant order almost immediately for its first project within the country: a 3-Bed RTO to be installed at a large chemical plant complete with custom engineering for an end-to-end air pollution control system. According to S&SE, this project is the first of many queued for the Thailand area.

"S&SE's goal is to be the sole supplier of all pollution control equipment in Thailand and nearby regions," said Anoosheh Oskouian, CEO, S&SE. "We have aggressive and ambitious goals for the industry and this new market. S&SE has the unique ability to look at and process extremely challenging pollution problems, especially from the chemical and petrochemical sectors that are prevalent in Thailand, and offer innovative systems that will reduce their emissions while promoting safe operations."

For more information, visit www.shipandshore.com.