Thailand Promotes Circular Economy at BCT & DPIM CE Expo 2026

On September 16, 2026, Thailand’s Minister of Industry, Varawut Silpa-archa, officially opened the Building Construction Technology Expo (BCT Expo 2026) and the DPIM CE Expo 2026. The event, themed 'Circular Economy: The Game Changer for Sustainable Thai Industry,' focuses on integrating sustainable practices into the construction sector, which remains a vital pillar for national investment, employment, and quality of life.

During the opening, Minister Varawut emphasized the transition toward a circular economy, showcasing 40 prototype innovations, including 'M-Sand' and recycled solar panel glass. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to accelerate the Thai industrial sector’s path toward Net Zero emissions. The minister also noted that the industry is undergoing rapid transformation driven by digital technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and Building Information Modeling (BIM).

For residents and travelers, this shift suggests a long-term move toward more sustainable urban development and modern infrastructure in Thailand. While the expo highlights these technological advancements, it remains to be confirmed how quickly these 40 prototypes will be scaled for widespread commercial use across the country. The event serves as a platform for industry stakeholders to align on these sustainable goals, though the specific timeline for full-scale implementation of these circular construction methods across all new projects is yet to be determined.