Bangkok Restaurants Ordered to Install Grease Traps by March
Bangkok—The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is mandating grease traps in all of the city’s approximately 20,000 restaurants to combat drainage issues and improve water quality. Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced this directive during a sewer cleaning operation inspection at Talat Phlu Market on Wednesday. The initiative aims to prevent fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from overwhelming the city’s sewer network before the rainy season. This underscores the BMA’s commitment to proactive flood prevention and public health.
Governor Chadchart emphasized the vital role of grease traps in maintaining a functional drainage system. These devices separate FOG from wastewater, preventing blockages and foul odors. FOG accumulation significantly reduces the sewer system’s capacity to handle rainwater, increasing flood risk, especially during heavy downpours. This mandate directly addresses this issue.
His visit to Talat Phlu Market, a renowned street food hub, highlighted the importance of compliance across the food service sector, from large restaurants to street vendors. He urged all businesses to cooperate with the BMA and install the necessary equipment. This three-month campaign stresses shared responsibility and public good, encouraging responsible waste management. Non-compliance carries penalties, including a maximum six-month jail sentence or a 50,000 baht fine.
Governor Chadchart encouraged citizens to report non-compliant establishments through the BMA’s Traffy Fondue complaints system. Photographic evidence is encouraged to expedite action.
This grease trap initiative is part of a broader effort to address drainage and sanitation challenges across Bangkok. The BMA’s Department of Drainage and Sewerage is undertaking an ambitious sewer cleaning program, targeting approximately 3,800 kilometers of the city’s 6,924-kilometer sewer network before the rainy season begins in May. Over 1,500 kilometers have already been cleaned.
Beyond sewer cleaning, Governor Chadchart highlighted the urgency of tackling littering and illegal wastewater discharge into canals. He identified 23 canals requiring immediate attention and addressed the problem of garbage disposal from boats on the Chao Phraya River. These combined efforts demonstrate the BMA’s comprehensive approach to creating a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient city. By addressing the root causes of drainage issues and promoting responsible waste management, the BMA aims to mitigate perennial flooding challenges and improve the overall urban environment.
