​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Strengthening Mercury Monitoring: AIT Hosts Intensive Training for Thai Laboratories

  13-17 January, 2025

     Pathumthani, Thailand​

The Regional Resource Centre for Asia and the Pacific at Asian Institute of Technology (AIT RRC.AP), with funding support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), successfully concluded a five-day intensive training on Laboratory Operation for Methylmercury Analysis in Human Hair, Total Mercury Analysis in Human Hair and Skin Lightening Products, and Hydroquinone Analysis in Skin Lightening Products.

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Held from 13 to 17 January 2025 at the AIT IDEA EEM Laboratory, the training was organized under the Project for Promoting the Minamata Convention on Mercury to strengthen the technical capacity of Thai laboratories engaged in mercury monitoring and analysis. The training was conducted in collaboration with experts from IDEA Consultants, Japan.

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This hands-on training equipped technical officers and analysts with practical skills in sample preparation, instrument operation, and data interpretation for methylmercury, total mercury, and hydroquinone analysis. In addition, participants gained insights into mercury science and Thailand’s national obligations under the Minamata Convention, reinforcing the importance of accurate and reliable laboratory testing to address mercury-related challenges. ​

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The training saw participation from key regulatory and research institutions, including:

  • ​Department of Medical Sciences, Thailand 
  • ​Pollution Control Department, Thailand
  • Cosmetics and Hazardous Substances Control Division, Thai FDA
  • Climate Change and Environmental Research Center (CERC), Thailand
  • Ramkhamhaeng University
  • AIT Environmental Engineering and Management Laboratory

By fostering technical expertise and strengthening laboratory networks, this initiative is a step forward in improving Thailand’s capacity for mercury monitoring and regulatory enforcement. The successful completion of the program underscores the collaborative efforts of UNEP, AIT RRC.AP, AIT-IDEA EEM Lab and IDEA Consultants, Japan, in advancing regional mercury management and ensuring environmental and public health protection.