Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has vowed to look into the environmental impact of industrial projects in Rayong's Map Ta Phut area after getting firsthand information from locals.
Villagers from the area who have been affected by industrial pollution finally got to meet the premier at Government House yesterday, after organising a series of protests and dozens of petitions on the matter over the past year.
Mr Abhisit reaffirmed the locals' right to monitor the environmental and health impacts of industrial investment in Map Ta Phut.
The villagers were particularly concerned about 55 industrial projects whose environmental impact assessments have been endorsed and are waiting for construction and operating permits from relevant agencies.
Mr Abhisit said he could not say whether or not all of the 55 projects should be put on hold as the developments should be considered on a caseby-case basis.
He also said project developers are obliged by the law to follow Article 67 of the constitution which states that any investment projects that could cause environmental and health impacts must be put before a public hearing.
The prime minister said he would take into consideration the villagers'proposal to designate Map Ta Phut as a special local administration area.Locals say the move would facilitate the local organisation's tackling of pollution problems.
"There are so many agencies working on pollution problems in Map Ta Phut.Poor integration between these relevant agencies might have disrupted the effort to solve the pollution problem there,"he said.
Mr Abhisit urged the villagers to switch from holding mass rallies about the problem to holding talks with relevant agencies where they could exchange information with officials.
"Demonstrations lead to nothing.What we should do is discussing the matter on the table," he said.
Sutthi Atchasai, a leader of the Eastern People's Network, said he was satisfied with the meeting's outcome as Mr Abhisit had showed sincerity in wanting to solve the long-lasting problem.
The Industry Ministry's representative, meanwhile, said authorities would go ahead with issuing permits for projects that have already passed environmental impact assessments.
The approval of permits was legal according to the Council of State's decision as guidelines to accommodate Article 67 of the constitution have yet to be drawn up, said Sorayud Petchtrakul, an adviser to the industry minister,who was at the meeting.
"For the approved permits, the prime minister said the public has the right to seek judicial support if they disagree with the government bodies' operations.We do not have the authority to revoke permits because investors were doing everything in accordance with existing laws. If we revoke, investors will sue us," Mr Sorayud said.
The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand and the Industrial Works Department are responsible for approving operating permits for factories.
"The prime minister does not want to see a halt in investment, so we are going ahead with the permits.
"However, public opinion on the granting of permits is welcome," he said.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
GREEN HURDLES LOOM FOR EIGHT PROJECTS
Upstream and downstream petrochemical plants as well as nuclear power plants are on the list of eight industrial projects with a "serious impact" on local communities that was recently issued by the Industry Ministry.
Appearing on the list means these projects must pass health-impact assessments, receive local communities' endorsement in a hearing and win approval from an independent environmental body to be set up by the Natural Resource and Environment Ministry under the auspices of Article 67 of the Constitution.
The other six project activities covered by the list are underground mining; lead and zinc mines; chemical-based mineral dissolving and upstream steel production with daily minimum capacity of 20,000 tonnes; industrial estates for upstream steel production or upstream to midstream petrochemical plants; dumping sites and kilns for hazardous wastes; and fossil-fuel power plants (except gas-fired plants) with minimum capacity of 100 megawatts.
Vice Industry Minister Sorayud Petchtrakul yesterday said Minister Charnchai Chairungrueng had endorsed the list this past Monday.
"We have no choice but to issue the list, in order to comply with the law," he said.
Department director-general Witoon Simachokedee said his agency had already approved operating licences for 12 projects with a combined value of Bt59 billion.
So far, only PTT's gas-separation plant, which is not on the list of serious-impact activities, is awaiting department approval.
LAWSUIT
Nevertheless, even though the list has been declared, in accordance with the government's resolution, the projects can proceed in the absence of the independent environment body.
Suthi Atchasai, coordinator of a citizens' network on the Eastern Seaboard, yesterday said the network would soon file suit against the National Environmental Board for approving the environmental impact assessment for 55 projects slated for the industrialised zone in Rayong's Map Ta Phut.
Most of those projects are petrochemical projects of PTT, the Siam Cement Group and Dow Chemical.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday told villagers from Map Ta Phut that not all of the 55 projects in the area were causing environmental problems. Villagers should consider each on a case-by-case basis.
He insisted there should not be a consensus that investment in Map Ta Phut must be frozen.
"Personally, some of them can proceed," he said.
He also mentioned the possibility of declaring Map Ta Phut a special administrative zone. With its own autonomy, the zone would demonstrate unity and "speedy and united" decisions, Abhisit said.
He also believes public access to the zone will be granted. However, a law must be enforced to push through the idea.
Abhisit said he was pushing for a conclusion to determine if Map Ta Phut should become a special administrative zone.
He said government measures to contain the environmental impact in Map Ta Phut would be designed in a framework that could be enforced in other areas.
Appearing on the list means these projects must pass health-impact assessments, receive local communities' endorsement in a hearing and win approval from an independent environmental body to be set up by the Natural Resource and Environment Ministry under the auspices of Article 67 of the Constitution.
The other six project activities covered by the list are underground mining; lead and zinc mines; chemical-based mineral dissolving and upstream steel production with daily minimum capacity of 20,000 tonnes; industrial estates for upstream steel production or upstream to midstream petrochemical plants; dumping sites and kilns for hazardous wastes; and fossil-fuel power plants (except gas-fired plants) with minimum capacity of 100 megawatts.
Vice Industry Minister Sorayud Petchtrakul yesterday said Minister Charnchai Chairungrueng had endorsed the list this past Monday.
"We have no choice but to issue the list, in order to comply with the law," he said.
Department director-general Witoon Simachokedee said his agency had already approved operating licences for 12 projects with a combined value of Bt59 billion.
So far, only PTT's gas-separation plant, which is not on the list of serious-impact activities, is awaiting department approval.
LAWSUIT
Nevertheless, even though the list has been declared, in accordance with the government's resolution, the projects can proceed in the absence of the independent environment body.
Suthi Atchasai, coordinator of a citizens' network on the Eastern Seaboard, yesterday said the network would soon file suit against the National Environmental Board for approving the environmental impact assessment for 55 projects slated for the industrialised zone in Rayong's Map Ta Phut.
Most of those projects are petrochemical projects of PTT, the Siam Cement Group and Dow Chemical.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday told villagers from Map Ta Phut that not all of the 55 projects in the area were causing environmental problems. Villagers should consider each on a case-by-case basis.
He insisted there should not be a consensus that investment in Map Ta Phut must be frozen.
"Personally, some of them can proceed," he said.
He also mentioned the possibility of declaring Map Ta Phut a special administrative zone. With its own autonomy, the zone would demonstrate unity and "speedy and united" decisions, Abhisit said.
He also believes public access to the zone will be granted. However, a law must be enforced to push through the idea.
Abhisit said he was pushing for a conclusion to determine if Map Ta Phut should become a special administrative zone.
He said government measures to contain the environmental impact in Map Ta Phut would be designed in a framework that could be enforced in other areas.
NEW DATA SHOW RECOVERY CONTINUING
Signalling that manufacturers are leading the economy into a recovery, output from the nation's factories, mines and utilities posted widespread gains in August.
In a further dose of good news,inflation remained essentially nonexistent as prices scarcely rose last month.
The August gains in industrial production marked the second straight increase after the global recession dried up the appetites of customers worldwide. Output rose o.8 per cent, the Federa Reserve said on Wednesday,beating analysts' estimates.
In part, the improvement reflected auto sales that were boosted by the government's now-ended "Cash for Clunders" programme. But analysts were impressed that output rose broadly across industries.
"Vehicles are not the whole story,"Nigel Gault, chief US economist at IHS Global Insight, said in a note to clients. Gault noted that production rose in five out of 10 categories of durable goods, including machinery and electrical equipment.
The pace of growth is expected to slow later this year. That's partly because the stimulative effect of the clunkers programme, which issued rebates for people who traded in older gas-guzzlers for new,fuel-efficient models, will fade.
But industrial stockpiles are so low that production should keep rising even as consumer spending remains weak, economists said. companies had cut their stockpiles by a record $159.2 billion (Bt5.4 trillion) in the second quarter. Low inventories tend to signal higher out put ahead, because companies even tually must produce more to refill their depleted stockpiles.
"Manufacturers are in a catch-up mode right now," Gault said. "They're adjusting for the fact that the level of demand didn't meet their worst fears."
Factory output, the single-biggest slice of overall industrial activity, also rose for the second straight month.
Auto production led the way, rising 5.5 per cent in August. That followed a whopping 20.1 per cent gain in July, when General Motors and Chrysler reopened many plants that had been closed as the companies restructured and emerged from bankruptcy.
Yet even with autos and parts stripped out, manufacturing activity gained 0.4 per cent last month.
Production of steel, aluminium and other metals rose 0.9 per cent, while electrical equipment and appliances output also increased.
Despite the recent gains, industrial companies are still operating well below capacity. The production rate in August was 69.96 per cent, under the 80 per cent consistent with a helthy econlmy.
Manufacturing output will likely grow more slowly later this year as the clunkers' impact wears off said Daniel Meckstroth, chief economist for the Manufactureers Alliance/MAPI, a business research group.
"We only expect a modest pace of recovery because of the headwinds that debt-laden consumers face," he said, meaning sluggish spending is likely for months.
Consumer spending, which accounts for about 70 per cent of the economy, is forecast by many economists to show weak growth next year. Shoppers are holding back in the face of job losses, stagnant incomes and tight credit. That contrasts with the early stages of othe r recent recoveries.
Inflation, meanwhile, remains nowhere in sight. The Consumer Price Index rose just 0.4 per cent in August, after a flat reading in July, the government said
Prices fell 1.5 per cent in the past year,as petrol prices dropped sharply from record levels last summer.
The "core" CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, ticked up a scant 0.1 per cent, mathing expectations. Over the 12 months ending in August, the core rate rose 1.4 per cent, the smallest such increase in more than five years.
That means the fed faces no pressure to raise its benchmark interest rate, a step it would take to ward off high inflation. The Fed has reduced the rate it charges banks for overnight loans to a record low of nearly zero to try to revive the economy.
AT A GLANCE
The August gains in industrial production marked the second straight increase after the global recession dried up the appetites of customers worldwide. Output rose 0.8 per cent, the Federal Reserve said on Wednesday, beating analysts' estimates.
"Manufacturers are in a catch-up mode right now," Gault said. "They're adjusting for the fact that the level of demand didn't meet their worst fears."
Auto production led the way, rising 5.5 per cent in August. That followed a whopping 20.1 per cent gain in July, when General Motors and Chrysler reopened many plants that had been closed as the companies restructured and emerged from bankruptcy.
A CONTAINER SHIP loads up at the Port of Long Beach, California. US industrial production rose for the second straight month in August, with output beating analysts' forecasts.
In a further dose of good news,inflation remained essentially nonexistent as prices scarcely rose last month.
The August gains in industrial production marked the second straight increase after the global recession dried up the appetites of customers worldwide. Output rose o.8 per cent, the Federa Reserve said on Wednesday,beating analysts' estimates.
In part, the improvement reflected auto sales that were boosted by the government's now-ended "Cash for Clunders" programme. But analysts were impressed that output rose broadly across industries.
"Vehicles are not the whole story,"Nigel Gault, chief US economist at IHS Global Insight, said in a note to clients. Gault noted that production rose in five out of 10 categories of durable goods, including machinery and electrical equipment.
The pace of growth is expected to slow later this year. That's partly because the stimulative effect of the clunkers programme, which issued rebates for people who traded in older gas-guzzlers for new,fuel-efficient models, will fade.
But industrial stockpiles are so low that production should keep rising even as consumer spending remains weak, economists said. companies had cut their stockpiles by a record $159.2 billion (Bt5.4 trillion) in the second quarter. Low inventories tend to signal higher out put ahead, because companies even tually must produce more to refill their depleted stockpiles.
"Manufacturers are in a catch-up mode right now," Gault said. "They're adjusting for the fact that the level of demand didn't meet their worst fears."
Factory output, the single-biggest slice of overall industrial activity, also rose for the second straight month.
Auto production led the way, rising 5.5 per cent in August. That followed a whopping 20.1 per cent gain in July, when General Motors and Chrysler reopened many plants that had been closed as the companies restructured and emerged from bankruptcy.
Yet even with autos and parts stripped out, manufacturing activity gained 0.4 per cent last month.
Production of steel, aluminium and other metals rose 0.9 per cent, while electrical equipment and appliances output also increased.
Despite the recent gains, industrial companies are still operating well below capacity. The production rate in August was 69.96 per cent, under the 80 per cent consistent with a helthy econlmy.
Manufacturing output will likely grow more slowly later this year as the clunkers' impact wears off said Daniel Meckstroth, chief economist for the Manufactureers Alliance/MAPI, a business research group.
"We only expect a modest pace of recovery because of the headwinds that debt-laden consumers face," he said, meaning sluggish spending is likely for months.
Consumer spending, which accounts for about 70 per cent of the economy, is forecast by many economists to show weak growth next year. Shoppers are holding back in the face of job losses, stagnant incomes and tight credit. That contrasts with the early stages of othe r recent recoveries.
Inflation, meanwhile, remains nowhere in sight. The Consumer Price Index rose just 0.4 per cent in August, after a flat reading in July, the government said
Prices fell 1.5 per cent in the past year,as petrol prices dropped sharply from record levels last summer.
The "core" CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, ticked up a scant 0.1 per cent, mathing expectations. Over the 12 months ending in August, the core rate rose 1.4 per cent, the smallest such increase in more than five years.
That means the fed faces no pressure to raise its benchmark interest rate, a step it would take to ward off high inflation. The Fed has reduced the rate it charges banks for overnight loans to a record low of nearly zero to try to revive the economy.
AT A GLANCE
The August gains in industrial production marked the second straight increase after the global recession dried up the appetites of customers worldwide. Output rose 0.8 per cent, the Federal Reserve said on Wednesday, beating analysts' estimates.
"Manufacturers are in a catch-up mode right now," Gault said. "They're adjusting for the fact that the level of demand didn't meet their worst fears."
Auto production led the way, rising 5.5 per cent in August. That followed a whopping 20.1 per cent gain in July, when General Motors and Chrysler reopened many plants that had been closed as the companies restructured and emerged from bankruptcy.
A CONTAINER SHIP loads up at the Port of Long Beach, California. US industrial production rose for the second straight month in August, with output beating analysts' forecasts.
NESDB TO REVAMP MASTER PLAN
The National Economic and Social Development Board has been tasked with revising the Kingdom's industrial-development master plan, to clarify the long-term direction in this regard, Deputy Prime Minister Korbsak Sabhavasu said yesterday.
Speaking at a seminar entitled "Direction for Industrial Development under HIA Criteria" hosted by the Economic Reporters Association, Korbsak said it was difficult for industries and local communities to grow together.
"We gave support to the industrial sector for decades by focusing on economic growth but were rarely concerned about the impact on other areas. However, Map Ta Phut is a good case study for making us consider whether we've gone in the right direction for developing our industries," he told the audience, which consisted mostly of economic reporters but included some environmentalists.
Growing environmental concerns have resulted in delays in implementing some industrial projects. There have been protests by local communities, and they have had to comply with the environmental rules under Article 67 of the Constitution, but the authorities have yet to iron out guideline inconsistencies.
Revision of the master plan will be completed this year. The new version will classify the effects of each industry and indicate possible locations for accommodating industries with high environmental impact.
Korbsak said despite the government's strong determination to steer the economy without harming people's health or the environment, it would not change the overall economic structure by halting promotion of export-oriented industries, which account for 60-70 per cent of gross domestic product.
"We would do better to develop those areas we are good at, such as agriculture. If possible, should we encourage heavy industries that affect our people and the environment to operate outside the country, like developed countries do?" he said.
He said new projects planned for the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate would find it difficult to pass an environmental-impact assessment (EIA), because of the density of plants in the area. Some 50 projects worth a combined Bt280 billion will be the last group to receive EIAs.
After the seminar, he said he personally objected to allowing steel smelters in the South, which should be kept pristine for tourism rather than used for manufacturing.
Sonthi Kochawat, director of the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning's EIA Monitoring and Development Centre, said his agency would adopt strategic environmental assessments in evaluating the impact of industrial sites before approving an EIA for a project.
"We'll place greater importance on assessing the appropriateness between an industrial project and its location, in order to squash conflicts between manufacturers and local communities at the start," he said.
He said the new guidelines for approving EIAs would take effect on December 30. They will feature evaluations of public-health impacts and allow greater public participation.
Meanwhile, Supoj Songsiang, a member of the Bang Saphan Preservation Network, said it would be difficult to persuade locals to agree to having factories built in their backyard no matter how strict the laws and regulations.
"Even though the new regulations will increase participation by local communities, in fact we'll still be treated with double standards," he said.
Panrat Phechpakdee, director of the Federation of Thai Industries' Industrial Environment Institute, said the private sector was not worried about the changes to the laws and regulations, but they did want the relevant agencies to announce them as soon as possible.
Speaking at a seminar entitled "Direction for Industrial Development under HIA Criteria" hosted by the Economic Reporters Association, Korbsak said it was difficult for industries and local communities to grow together.
"We gave support to the industrial sector for decades by focusing on economic growth but were rarely concerned about the impact on other areas. However, Map Ta Phut is a good case study for making us consider whether we've gone in the right direction for developing our industries," he told the audience, which consisted mostly of economic reporters but included some environmentalists.
Growing environmental concerns have resulted in delays in implementing some industrial projects. There have been protests by local communities, and they have had to comply with the environmental rules under Article 67 of the Constitution, but the authorities have yet to iron out guideline inconsistencies.
Revision of the master plan will be completed this year. The new version will classify the effects of each industry and indicate possible locations for accommodating industries with high environmental impact.
Korbsak said despite the government's strong determination to steer the economy without harming people's health or the environment, it would not change the overall economic structure by halting promotion of export-oriented industries, which account for 60-70 per cent of gross domestic product.
"We would do better to develop those areas we are good at, such as agriculture. If possible, should we encourage heavy industries that affect our people and the environment to operate outside the country, like developed countries do?" he said.
He said new projects planned for the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate would find it difficult to pass an environmental-impact assessment (EIA), because of the density of plants in the area. Some 50 projects worth a combined Bt280 billion will be the last group to receive EIAs.
After the seminar, he said he personally objected to allowing steel smelters in the South, which should be kept pristine for tourism rather than used for manufacturing.
Sonthi Kochawat, director of the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning's EIA Monitoring and Development Centre, said his agency would adopt strategic environmental assessments in evaluating the impact of industrial sites before approving an EIA for a project.
"We'll place greater importance on assessing the appropriateness between an industrial project and its location, in order to squash conflicts between manufacturers and local communities at the start," he said.
He said the new guidelines for approving EIAs would take effect on December 30. They will feature evaluations of public-health impacts and allow greater public participation.
Meanwhile, Supoj Songsiang, a member of the Bang Saphan Preservation Network, said it would be difficult to persuade locals to agree to having factories built in their backyard no matter how strict the laws and regulations.
"Even though the new regulations will increase participation by local communities, in fact we'll still be treated with double standards," he said.
Panrat Phechpakdee, director of the Federation of Thai Industries' Industrial Environment Institute, said the private sector was not worried about the changes to the laws and regulations, but they did want the relevant agencies to announce them as soon as possible.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
THIRD MAN ENTERS RACE FTI CHAIR
The Federation of Thai Industries' Electrical, Electronics and Allied Industry Club yesterday nominated one more candidate in the race to become the next FTI chairman.
Suraporn Simakulthorn, the new candidate, said: "If I win, I would prefer a single term [two years], because I only want to reorganise the FTI and create harmony among the members. Even though regulations allow for two consecutive terms as chairman, I don't think I'd do that."
He said his two main objectives for running were to reorganise the FTI and enhance the industrial sector's competitiveness, in order to be a leader within Asean.
Suraporn is president of Kulthorn Kirby, a manufacturer of hermetic compressors for refrigeration and air-conditioning systems.
Two others earlier announced their candidacy for the election, which will be held next March.
One is vice chairman Payungsak Chartsutipol, who has the backing of leading firms like the Siam Cement Group, PTT and the Saha Group.
Asian Honda Motor senior vice president Adisak Rohitasune is the other candidate. He was proposed by Saha Farms Group president and CEO Manoonsri chotitawan and is supported by automotive companies and auto-parts manufacturers.
Suraporn Simakulthorn, the new candidate, said: "If I win, I would prefer a single term [two years], because I only want to reorganise the FTI and create harmony among the members. Even though regulations allow for two consecutive terms as chairman, I don't think I'd do that."
He said his two main objectives for running were to reorganise the FTI and enhance the industrial sector's competitiveness, in order to be a leader within Asean.
Suraporn is president of Kulthorn Kirby, a manufacturer of hermetic compressors for refrigeration and air-conditioning systems.
Two others earlier announced their candidacy for the election, which will be held next March.
One is vice chairman Payungsak Chartsutipol, who has the backing of leading firms like the Siam Cement Group, PTT and the Saha Group.
Asian Honda Motor senior vice president Adisak Rohitasune is the other candidate. He was proposed by Saha Farms Group president and CEO Manoonsri chotitawan and is supported by automotive companies and auto-parts manufacturers.
NO NEW FACTORIES WITHOUT ASSURANCES
Expansion plan for industrial plants at Map Ta Phut should be debated at public hearings before approval is given
The government must carefully consider its policy at the Map Ta Phut industrial estate in Rayong after the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) recently pointed out that approving more factories at this site - now a pollution-control zone - could violate the constitution.
The NHRC says that if the government allows more factories to be located at Map Ta Phut, it could be interpreted as a violation of Article 67 of the Charter.
The plan for more factories has faced opposition and protests from local people who fear the environmental impact of further development and the pollution it will cause, will have negative consequences on their way of life.
The big question for the government is how to balance industrial development and the interests of residents who live in the area.
Chairman of the NHRC's Committee for Civil Rights, Niran Pitakwatchara, said his panel would send a letter to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, who chairs a joint public- and private-sector panel that is looking at licences for Map Ta Phut.
Industries meanwhile argue that factories will not pollute the environment.
Sounds familiar, doesn't it?
The local residents are not convinced by this argument because an independent organisation - made up of representatives of environmental and health groups - to investigate the possible environmental impact has yet to come into being. A bill to set up such an organisation has not materialised so far.
The problem lies in a lack of trust between people in the area and the industries, as well as the government agencies who oversee environmental standards. This deep-seated mistrust is nothing new, however. Unfortunately, no administration has ever taken this matter seriously, or has had the political will to do something about it. And so there has been incident after incident and protest after protest; deals are made and life goes on. But the mistrust persists.
At this particular juncture, with the debate over Map Tha Phut ongoing, it would be unwise for the government to proceed with the investment expansion plan without the consent of the locals. In the past, public hearings on proposed projects - such as the Bo Nok Hin Krut power plant in Prachuap Khiri Khan province - created huge conflict in local communities.
Certainly, Rayong residents are entitled to vent their disapproval of the plan for new factories. After all, they are the victims of the unrestrained industrial development that has gone on for years, and the potential victims of any further uncontrolled expansion.
Thailand has transformed its economy from being agriculture-based to manufacturing-based, partly at the expense of the well-being of local residents. The agencies involved might have been excited about the foreign exchange that these factories brought into the country at first. But the pollution they caused later raised the question of whether it's worthwhile to keep expanding the industrial base at the expense of people's health.
A number of irresponsible factories discharge waste, causing severe health problems for nearby residents. Although the authorities may argue that the factories have to pass an environmental standard, such are apparently not sufficient to assure people they will not have to suffer from the effects of pollution. Last week, villagers rallied again outside the Map Ta Phut estate office to protest against the plan to extend more licences for new factories.
It would not be a shrewd move for the authorities and industries to proceed with the expansion without listening to the residents' voices. They should first try to create understanding among the people that their plants will not harm the environment. If the people don't buy in to their claims, the conflict between industries and residents will erupt again.
The government meanwhile must work out how to assure residents that the environmental standards will be respected. This can be done through the setting up of a neutral body.
If this is not done, no one will be convinced that new factories conform to the environmental regulations, and peaceful coexistence between local residents and the industries will not be possible.
Thais may soon have to question whether this path of industrial development will lead to a desirable future.
The government must carefully consider its policy at the Map Ta Phut industrial estate in Rayong after the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) recently pointed out that approving more factories at this site - now a pollution-control zone - could violate the constitution.
The NHRC says that if the government allows more factories to be located at Map Ta Phut, it could be interpreted as a violation of Article 67 of the Charter.
The plan for more factories has faced opposition and protests from local people who fear the environmental impact of further development and the pollution it will cause, will have negative consequences on their way of life.
The big question for the government is how to balance industrial development and the interests of residents who live in the area.
Chairman of the NHRC's Committee for Civil Rights, Niran Pitakwatchara, said his panel would send a letter to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, who chairs a joint public- and private-sector panel that is looking at licences for Map Ta Phut.
Industries meanwhile argue that factories will not pollute the environment.
Sounds familiar, doesn't it?
The local residents are not convinced by this argument because an independent organisation - made up of representatives of environmental and health groups - to investigate the possible environmental impact has yet to come into being. A bill to set up such an organisation has not materialised so far.
The problem lies in a lack of trust between people in the area and the industries, as well as the government agencies who oversee environmental standards. This deep-seated mistrust is nothing new, however. Unfortunately, no administration has ever taken this matter seriously, or has had the political will to do something about it. And so there has been incident after incident and protest after protest; deals are made and life goes on. But the mistrust persists.
At this particular juncture, with the debate over Map Tha Phut ongoing, it would be unwise for the government to proceed with the investment expansion plan without the consent of the locals. In the past, public hearings on proposed projects - such as the Bo Nok Hin Krut power plant in Prachuap Khiri Khan province - created huge conflict in local communities.
Certainly, Rayong residents are entitled to vent their disapproval of the plan for new factories. After all, they are the victims of the unrestrained industrial development that has gone on for years, and the potential victims of any further uncontrolled expansion.
Thailand has transformed its economy from being agriculture-based to manufacturing-based, partly at the expense of the well-being of local residents. The agencies involved might have been excited about the foreign exchange that these factories brought into the country at first. But the pollution they caused later raised the question of whether it's worthwhile to keep expanding the industrial base at the expense of people's health.
A number of irresponsible factories discharge waste, causing severe health problems for nearby residents. Although the authorities may argue that the factories have to pass an environmental standard, such are apparently not sufficient to assure people they will not have to suffer from the effects of pollution. Last week, villagers rallied again outside the Map Ta Phut estate office to protest against the plan to extend more licences for new factories.
It would not be a shrewd move for the authorities and industries to proceed with the expansion without listening to the residents' voices. They should first try to create understanding among the people that their plants will not harm the environment. If the people don't buy in to their claims, the conflict between industries and residents will erupt again.
The government meanwhile must work out how to assure residents that the environmental standards will be respected. This can be done through the setting up of a neutral body.
If this is not done, no one will be convinced that new factories conform to the environmental regulations, and peaceful coexistence between local residents and the industries will not be possible.
Thais may soon have to question whether this path of industrial development will lead to a desirable future.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
NGOs push harder for independent environmental body
Activists are hoping to collect enough signatures this month to push for an independent environmental agency to monitor the impact of heavy industry on local communities.
Non-governmental organisations have gathered half of the 100,000 signatures needed by the constitution to forward a draft organic law to parliament in relation to the constitution's Article 67.
"We could not wait for the government to launch the organic law to set up an independent committee to decide on the serious issues which affect the lives and deaths of communities," Phairoj Pholphet, chairman of the NGO Coordinating Committee, told a recent seminar attended by community leaders affected by heavy industry such as steel production, power plants and gold mining.
Mr Phairoj said another 50,000 names would be added to the petition by the end of the month.
The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry is drafting an organic law on an independent organisation to screen heavy impact industries. But pressure from industry and political turbulence have stalled the process, the seminar was told.
Article 67 stipulates that all factories with the potential to have a serious environmental impact on communities must be approved by an independent organisation made up of representatives of environmental and health groups,with health and environmental studies undertaken by tertiary institutes.
But the Council of State ruled that authorities could process project appli-cations during the absence of the organic law to set up the body.
The ruling has led to confrontations between villagers and project operators and local administrative organisations in several places including Map Ta Phut in Rayong's Muang district.
Banjerd Singkaneti, a Thammasat University professor in law, said the Council of State could not interpret the constitution in a way that defied or undermined people's rights.
The article must be strictly implemented.
Heavy industries thought to be dangerous to communities should not be pushed through without public hearings and independent environmental and health impact assessments, he said.
The National Human Rights Commission also warned the government against approving more factories in the Map Ta Phut industrial area after it was declared a pollution-control zone, as this could be taken as a violation of the constitution.
Sanchai Sutiphanviharn, of Mahidol University's environmental and resources faculty, said the independent environmental agency would be duty-bound to consider the environment, health,archeological and tourist value of the affected areas.
Detcharat Sukgamnerd, a researcher with the Foundation of Health, said during the absence of an organic law to enforce Article 67, communities could resort to the National Health Act which allowed a review of the health impact assessment of industries without having to wait for the environmental impact assessment.
Non-governmental organisations have gathered half of the 100,000 signatures needed by the constitution to forward a draft organic law to parliament in relation to the constitution's Article 67.
"We could not wait for the government to launch the organic law to set up an independent committee to decide on the serious issues which affect the lives and deaths of communities," Phairoj Pholphet, chairman of the NGO Coordinating Committee, told a recent seminar attended by community leaders affected by heavy industry such as steel production, power plants and gold mining.
Mr Phairoj said another 50,000 names would be added to the petition by the end of the month.
The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry is drafting an organic law on an independent organisation to screen heavy impact industries. But pressure from industry and political turbulence have stalled the process, the seminar was told.
Article 67 stipulates that all factories with the potential to have a serious environmental impact on communities must be approved by an independent organisation made up of representatives of environmental and health groups,with health and environmental studies undertaken by tertiary institutes.
But the Council of State ruled that authorities could process project appli-cations during the absence of the organic law to set up the body.
The ruling has led to confrontations between villagers and project operators and local administrative organisations in several places including Map Ta Phut in Rayong's Muang district.
Banjerd Singkaneti, a Thammasat University professor in law, said the Council of State could not interpret the constitution in a way that defied or undermined people's rights.
The article must be strictly implemented.
Heavy industries thought to be dangerous to communities should not be pushed through without public hearings and independent environmental and health impact assessments, he said.
The National Human Rights Commission also warned the government against approving more factories in the Map Ta Phut industrial area after it was declared a pollution-control zone, as this could be taken as a violation of the constitution.
Sanchai Sutiphanviharn, of Mahidol University's environmental and resources faculty, said the independent environmental agency would be duty-bound to consider the environment, health,archeological and tourist value of the affected areas.
Detcharat Sukgamnerd, a researcher with the Foundation of Health, said during the absence of an organic law to enforce Article 67, communities could resort to the National Health Act which allowed a review of the health impact assessment of industries without having to wait for the environmental impact assessment.
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