Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, revealed that the world—including Bangkok—is currently facing environmental challenges such as climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, and a continuously rising volume of waste, particularly plastic waste. Without proper sorting and management, this waste inevitably impacts the environment, public health, and the quality of life. Transforming used plastic bottles into value-added products—or "upcycling" them for reuse—is a clear example of the circular economy concept. It demonstrates how items once viewed as waste can become valuable resources, thereby reducing the need for virgin raw materials, cutting down on waste requiring disposal, and creating economic opportunities for entrepreneurs and communities.

The Governor also invited the public and entrepreneurs across all sectors to join in reducing single-use materials, implementing clear waste-sorting systems, and supporting the continuous reuse of materials. "I believe the 'SOOKSIAM Sook Rak Lok' (SookSiam: Happiness for the Planet) event will be more than just an environmental campaign; it will serve as a space to foster understanding, inspire action, and encourage tangible steps. It aims to show the public that every choice and every small change can combine to form a powerful force in making Bangkok a livable and sustainable city for everyone."

Mr. Chayapong Naviroj, CEO of the SookSiam project, stated, "The 'SOOKSIAM Sook Rak Lok' event is being held for the fifth consecutive year to promote participation in environmental conservation and to create value for society and the community." This initiative reflects ICONSIAM’s business vision based on "Co-creation" and "Creating Shared Values" strategies, integrating sustainability into every aspect of operations while promoting social, environmental, and cultural responsibility to sustainably elevate the quality of life for Thai people. This year, SookSiam presents the event under the concept "Living Thai, Living Green," inviting visitors to experience the charm of nature-inspired crafts that foster sustainability. A key highlight is the "Green Community" waste management station, which encourages the public to participate in waste segregation at the source—categorizing general waste, plastic bottles, and food waste.

Plastic bottles collected at the station undergo an upcycling process by "Wake Up Waste" to produce 500 "Eco-friendly Blankets," which are then distributed to provide warmth to schoolchildren in the Khlong San district and provincial areas as part of the "Blankets of Love for Warmth" (Hom Rak Hai Nong Oon) project—now in its third year. Building on the success of transforming waste into social value, SookSiam has expanded this concept to the "Green Merchant" project. Here, plastic bottles are upcycled into aprons for SookSiam’s vendors, embodying the "Circular Economy" principle of transforming used resources into new, valuable assets. This project has successfully diverted over 6,000 plastic bottles from waste streams and reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 500 kilograms. Meanwhile, food waste generated within SookSiam is processed into soil conditioner to be donated to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. ...to be used for the maintenance and expansion of green spaces within Bangkok.

Additionally, the event featured several interesting activities: ? **Fest & Wake Up Waste by SCG:** Eco-friendly food packaging innovation. Visitors could explore the Fest & Wake Up Waste booth, which showcased eco-friendly food packaging solutions. The initiative collaborated with vendors and entrepreneurs at SookSiam to reduce single-use plastic waste by switching to eco-friendly alternatives—specifically "Fest Bio Brown." This product is made from 100% eucalyptus pulp sourced from commercial plantations (thereby helping to boost farmers' incomes) and is naturally biodegradable within 60 days. The project also encouraged the public and tourists to participate in environmental conservation by using biodegradable food-contact packaging.

? **GROM:** Adorable art toys made from plastic waste. Art toy collectors shouldn't miss "Grom: Guardian of the Ocean"—a Thai-created art toy depicting a young member of a sea tribe. Crafted from plastic waste and bottle caps collected from beaches, these toys are available in various collections. Visitors could also admire a giant, 1.10-meter-tall GROM figure prominently displayed at the Sook Suwan Sala Gate, serving to raise awareness about marine waste issues. Furthermore, the GROM Workshop invited everyone to try their hand at transforming waste plastic into new, unique items.

? **ECO Market:** Tourists could also enjoy shopping at the ECO Market, a hub featuring a wide range of eco-friendly products and innovations. Discover products made from natural materials and handcrafted items—such as naturally dyed tie-dye fabrics, natural rattan containers, and handmade watches and eyewear crafted from woods like Makha and Teng. Explore tote bags made from plastic bottles and clothing created from recycled fibers, free from bleaching chemicals. Immerse yourself in spectacular Thai art and cultural performances presented by Huachiew Chalermprakiet University, showcasing a perfect blend of the Thai way of life and eco-conscious living. Join in various eco-friendly activities and become part of the movement for a sustainable planet at the “SOOKSIAM: Sook Rak Lok” (SOOKSIAM Loves the Earth) event. The event runs from September 4 to 30, 2026, at SOOKSIAM, G Floor, ICONSIAM. For more information, please call 085-169-9926 or visit the SOOKSIAM Facebook page.

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