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| Environment |
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 Undeniably, strong economic growth has also brought some environmental problems to Thailand.
During the time of economic expansion, several parties have expressed their concerns over rising environmental problems. Over the last decade, Thailand has been increasingly threatened by the problems of industrial wastewater, hazardous wastes, natural resources degradation, worsening air and water pollution and a decline in biodiversity level.
Air and Water Pollution
The causes of air pollution in Thailand can vary from cars and other transport vehicles, manufacturing factories, agricultural productions to open cooking. These problems also have some effects on local residents. One group that is most affected is people in urban areas, especially in Bangkok who suffer from air pollution, a result of daily traffic congestion.
Thailand is regarded as a country with sufficient natural water supply. Yet, certain areas of the country can experience a period of water shortage, especially in the Northeast region.
The overall quality of water resource in Thailand has actually improved in 2002 due to heavy rainfalls. However, the test results in some area still showed signs of water contamination especially in major cities which still lacked proper water treatment system.
Among the 13 highly popular beaches for tourist, the quality of seawater in overwhelming majority of the beaches has qualified between acceptable and satisfactory range. The lab test found only Jom Tien Beach does not consistently reach the acceptable standard.
Solid and Hazardous Waste
Solid and hazardous waste has been one of the major problems in industrial areas of Thailand. However, some challenges still remain, which include the process of waste recycle and reduction, municipal solid waste, industrial waste, infectious and community generated hazardous waste and ways to establish Safe Waste Management Systems.
Government Policies toward the environmental management
The 1997 Constitution requires more participation from local communities in environmental management strategies of the government. According to the Constitution, public hearings need to be conducted before the enactment of any development projects that could affect the local environment.
The new framework for environmental management from the Constitution resulted in more community-based management strategy as well as increasing coordination between public agencies, international organizations, non-governmental organizations and local communities.
Another important laws concerning environmental management issued earlier is the 1992 Environmental Protection Act. The Natural Resource and Environment Ministry is the core government agency responsible for environmental management of Thailand. | |
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The interpretations and conclusions given represent those of the authors. They
do not necessarily reflect the view of the Royal Thai Government, its
departments or other related institutions.
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