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National Implementation of Agenda 21
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Information Provided by the Government of Thailand to the
United Nations Department for Policy Coordination and
Sustainable Development
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This country profile has been provided by:
Name of Ministry/Office: The Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment
Date: 11 February 1997
Submitted by: Dr. Saksit Tridech
Mailing address: 60/1 Soi Pibun-Wattana 7, Rama VI Road, Bangkok 10400
Telephone: 662-279-0129
Telefax: 662-271-3226
E-mail:
Note from the Secretariat: An effort has been made to present all country profiles within a common format, with an equal number of pages. However, where Governments have not provided information for the tables appended to Chapters 4 and 17, those tables have been omitted entirely in order to reduce the overall length of the profile and save paper. Consequently, there may be some minor inconsistencies among the formats of the different country profiles.
All statistics are rendered as provided by the respective Governments.
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| APELL | Awareness and Preparedness for Emergencies at Local Level |
| CFC | chlorofluorocarbon |
| CGIAR | Consultative Group on International Agriculture Research |
| CILSS | Permanent Inter-State Committee on Drought Control in the Sahel |
| EEZ | exclusive economic zone |
| ECA | Economic Commission for Africa |
| ECE | Economic Commission for Europe |
| ECLAC | Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean |
| ELCI | Environmental Liaison Centre International |
| EMINWA | environmentally sound management of inland water |
| ESCAP | Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific |
| ESCWA | Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia |
| FAO | Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations |
| GATT | General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade |
| GAW | Global Atmosphere Watch (WMO) |
| GEF | Global Environment Facility |
| GEMS | Global Environmental Monitoring System (UNEP) |
| GEMS/WATER | Global Water Quality Monitoring Programme |
| GESAMP | Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Pollution |
| GIPME | Global Investigation of Pollution in Marine Environment (UNESCO) |
| GIS | Geographical Information System |
| GLOBE | Global Legislators Organisation for a Balanced Environment |
| GOS | Global Observing System (WMO/WWW) |
| GRID | Global Resource Information Database |
| GSP | generalized system of preferences |
| HIV | human immunodeficiency virus |
| IAEA | International Atomic Energy Agency |
| IAP-WASAD | International Action Programme on Water and Sustainable Agricultural Development |
| IARC | International Agency for Research on Cancer |
| IBSRAM | International Board of Soil Resources and Management |
| ICCA | International Council of Chemical Associations |
| ICES | International Council for the Exploration of the Sea |
| ICPIC | International Cleaner Production Information Clearing House |
| ICSC | International Civil Service Commission |
| ICSU | International Council of Scientific Unions |
| IEEA | Integrated environmental and economic accounting |
| IFAD | International Fund for Agricultural Development |
| IGADD | Intergovernmental Authority for Drought and Development |
| IGBP | International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (ICSU) |
| IGBP/START | International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme/Global Change System for Analysis, Research and Training |
| ILO | International Labour Organisation |
| IMF | International Monetary Fund |
| IMO | International Maritime Organization |
| INFOTERRA | International Environment Information system (UNEP) |
| IOC | Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission |
| IPCC | Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change |
| IPCS | International Programme on Chemical Safety |
| IPM | integrated pest management |
| IRPTC | International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals |
| ITC | International Tin Council |
| ITTO | International Tropical Timber Organization |
| IUCN | International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources |
| MARPOL | International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships |
| OECD | Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development |
| PGRFA | plant genetic resources for agriculture |
| PIC | prior informed consent procedure |
| SADCC | South African Development Co-ordination Conference |
| SARD | sustainable agriculture and rural development |
| UNCTAD | United Nations Conference on Trade and Development |
| UNDP | United Nations Development Programme |
| UNDRO | Office of the United Nations Disaster Relief Coordinator |
| UNEP | United Nations Environment Programme |
| UNESCO | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization |
| UNFPA | United Nations Population Fund |
| UNICEF | United Nations Children's Fund |
| UNIDO | United Nations Industrial Development Organization |
| UNU | United Nations University |
| WCP | World Climate Programme (WMO/UNEP/ICSU/UNESCO) |
| WFC | World Food Council |
| WHO | World Health Organization |
| WMO | World Meteorological Organization |
| WWF | World Wide Fund for Nature (also called World Wildlife Fund) |
| WWW | World Weather Watch (WMO) |
1. Name of Key National Sustainable Development Coordination Mechanism(s)/Council(s). The National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB), and the National Environmental Board (NEB).
Contact point (Name, Title, Office): Dr. Saksit Treidech, Secretary-general, Office of Environmental Policy and Planning, Ministry of Science, Technology, and Environment
Telephone: (662) 279-0129
Fax: (662) 271-4322
e-mail:
Mailing address: 60/1 Soi Phibun-Wattana 7, Pama VI, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
2. Membership/Composition/Chairperson:
2a. List of ministries and agencies involved: The NESDB's Chairman is a distinguished elder statesman. Five ex-officio members include the Governor of the Bank of Thailand, Secretary General of the Civil Service Commission, Director of the Bureau of the Budget, Director General of the Fiscal Policy Office and the Secretary General of NESDB. Nine members are represented from the private sector (many of whom have held senior government positions). NEB/Chairman Prime Minister; Vice-Chairmen: a Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Science, Technology and the Environment (MOSTE); twenty members: Ministers of Defense, Finance, Agriculture, Transport and Communications, Interior, Education, Public Health, Industry; Secretaries-General of NESDB and the Board of Investment, Director of the Budget Bureau, and up to eight other persons qualified in environmental matters. The Permanent Secretary of MOSTE is a member of the NEB and serves as its Secretary.
2b. Names of para-statal bodies and institutions involved, as well as participating of academic and private sector bodies: NEB: Eight persons qualified in environmental matters (e.g., academics, engineers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders), at least half of whom shall be representatives of the private sector). In addition to the Ministers and officials listed above, the current NEB Board includes the Chairman and the Director General of the Thailand Environment Institute (TEI), the Director of Thailand's National Commission on Women's Affairs, the President of an oil company, the Secretary General of the Population and Community Development Association, the Chairman of the Society for the Conservation of National Treasures and Environment, a senior civil servant in the Ministry of University Affairs, a distinguished professor of environmental engineering, an attorney and a Vice President of the Chulabhorn Research Institute.
2c. Names of non-governmental organizations involved: NGOs representing a wide cross-section of expert training and experience in social and economic affairs, community organizations, public health, policy analysis and governance. NGOs are consulted frequently regarding environmental development policies even though they are not officially represented on the NESDB or NEB.
3. Mandate role of above mechanism/council: For over 40 years, the NESDB's mandate has been to supply social and economic data to Government, prepare/draft comprehensive National Economic and Social Development Plans for Cabinet and Parliamentary approval (usually at 5-year intervals), evaluate progress compared with Plan targets, and undertake such special analyses as may be assigned to it from time to time. NEB's responsibilities are focused on improving environmental management within the larger framework of sustainable development drafted by NESDB; to submit policies and plans for enhancement and conservation of environment quality for Cabinet approval; to prescribe environmental quality standards; to consider and give approval to Changwat (provincial) Action Plans; to approve programmes to mitigate hazards caused by pollution; to specify measures to strengthen coordination among government agencies (and the private sector) concerning environmental quality, to submit periodic reports on environmental conditions to the Cabinet, and to perform other functions in support of sound environmental management policies.
4. If available, attach a diagram (organization chart) showing national coordination structure and linkages between ministries:
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AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 2: INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
TO ACCELERATE SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES AND RELATED DOMESTIC
POLICIES (with special emphasis on TRADE)
NATIONAL PRIORITY: Very High
STATUS REPORT: Thailand is an active participant
in many international agencies and discussions concerned with
environment, development, trade and peace-keeping issues. Thailand
was an early member of the Bretton Woods
Institutions and the United Nations. It is currently an active
member of all relevant United Nations organizations, has long
been the site of Regional UN offices (ESCAP), is a founding member
of ASEAN, currently serves on the CSD, and has
provided many senior officers to these organizations (e.g.
currently Asia Regional Director of UNEP, Chairman of WTO
committee on Agriculture, and others). Thailand has long favored an
open international trading system, provided that
developing nations are given equal opportunities to compete and
grow.
1. Decision-Making Structure: No information.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 3: COMBATING POVERTY
Focus of national strategy
The Human Development Report (1995) reported that in 1990, 7% of
the urban population and 29% of the rural
population lived in poverty. There is no specific legislation for
this area in force, but the country's Economic and Social
Development Plans have been aimed at poverty reduction, especially
during the last 20-25 years. Progress made in this
area during the Seventh Plan was evaluated formally in 1995. The
Eighth Plan has been approved and contains specific
targets for the further reduction of both urban and rural poverty.
The Eighth Plan's formulation was initiated on a
"bottom-up" consultation basis to emphasize the participation of
poor communities and women in problem solving.
Highlight activities aimed at the poor and linkages to the
environment
Consult Plan VIII and our long-term Environment Quality Promotion
strategy. See also RTG report to Social Summit,
Copenhagen, 1995.
NATIONAL PRIORITY: High
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: No information.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
NB: Developed countries, where domestic poverty alleviation is not
a major concern may wish to briefly describe their
position regarding global poverty alleviation.
| Latest 199_ | |||||
| Unemployment (%) | |||||
| Population living in absolute poverty | |||||
| Public spending on social sector % | |||||
| Other data
| |||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 4: CHANGING CONSUMPTION
PATTERNS
National policy objectives/focus
There has been no debate on consumption and production at the
national level; as income distribution is of concern only
within some social classes, excessive consumption has not yet
become a major topic of public debate. Tax structures have
been designed to weigh heavily on luxury items (e.g. automobile
imports are taxed at rates of 100% or higher, both as
luxury items and as a potential source of environmental pollution
and congestion. Concern for energy conservation is
growing. In terms of "material efficiency", producers are affected
by government policies. In terms of "energy
efficiency" and "waste reduction, reuse and recycling" producers,
local authorities, households and the central government
are targeted by new policies. The central government and NGOs
assume primary responsibility for all policy and
measures under this programme area. Producers assume primary
responsibility for the issue of "economic
incentives/disincentives". The impact of "improving understanding
and analysis", "applying tools for modifying
behaviour" and "monitoring, evaluating and reviewing performance"
is expected to be significant for producers, local
authorities, households, NGOs and the central government. In the
context of this chapter, special attention has been given
to the needs of the poor. The Royal Thai Government recognizes
that water and sanitation must be provided to low-income households
and communities at preferential rates, partially subsidized by
higher charges for businesses and high-income households.
Two ongoing and expanding Government initiatives intended to
change consumption patterns include a general public
information campaign by the Department of Environmental Quality
Promotion (DEQP) of the Ministry of Science,
Technology and Environment (MOSTE); and the National Energy
Conservation Programme.
National targets
No information.
NATIONAL PRIORITY: Medium
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: No information.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
| Latest 199_ | |||||
| GDP per capita (current US$) | |||||
| Real GDP growth (%) | |||||
| Annual energy consumption per capita (Kg. of oil equivalent per capita) | |||||
| Motor vehicles in use per 1000 inhabitants | |||||
| Other data
| |||||
Government policies affecting consumption and production.
1. Goals and Agents (Stakeholders)
Indicate with a (X) those agents which your Governments policies are meant most to influence.
| Agents Goals | |||||
| Material efficiency | |||||
| Energy efficiency: | |||||
| Transport | |||||
| Housing | |||||
| Other | |||||
| Waste: | |||||
| Reduce | |||||
| Reuse | |||||
| Recycle |
Comments: The RTG has assumed primary responsibility for measures to encourage environmentally sound production and consumption through sustainable economic growth and the reduction of poverty. The Government receives and welcomes active coaching and participation by NGOs and other institutions of civil society. Policies are designed, monitored and updated to influence the behaviour of producers, households and the Government's activities at local and national levels.
2. Means & Measures and Agents (Stakeholders)
Indicate with an (R) those agents who assume primary responsibility for any of the policy measures indicated; indicate with an (I) the agents for which the impact is expected to be especially significant.
| Agents Means & Measures | |||||
| Improving understanding and analysis | |||||
| Information and education (e.g., radio/TV/press) | |||||
| Research | |||||
| Evaluating environmental claims | |||||
| Form partnerships | |||||
| Applying tools for modifying behaviour | |||||
| Community based strategies | |||||
| Social incentives/disincentives (e.g., ecolabelling) | |||||
| Regulatory instruments | |||||
| Economic incentives/disincentives | |||||
| Voluntary agreements of producer responsibility
for aspects of product life cycle | |||||
| Provision of enabling facilities and infrastructure (e.g., transportation alternatives, recycling) | |||||
| Procurement policy | |||||
| Monitoring, evaluating and reviewing performance | |||||
| Action campaign | |||||
| Other (specify) |
Comments:
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 5: DEMOGRAPHIC DYNAMICS AND
SUSTAINABILITY
Regarding demographic dynamics and sustainability, the
Ministry of Public Health, working in conjunction with
other organizations, implements programmes relevant to demographic
change in the following areas:
1. Assessing the effects of demographic changes on development
programmes. An assessment of changes in the age
structure and its impact on the health care system has taken place.
Consequently, health care policies and programmes
have been formulated. For example: health insurance schemes
covering all aspects of preventive, rehabilitative and
curative care services are provided, especially to low income
groups, the elderly, children, the handicapped and other
underprivileged groups.
2. Strengthening preventive and curative health facilities and
services including:
2.1 Health service facilities at all levels have been
upgraded and improved in terms of their quality and
efficiency. In Thailand, there are 9,239 Sub-district Health
Centres (covering 99.4 per cent of total sub-districts); 708
District Hospitals (covering 91.6 of total districts); 75 General
Hospitals; and 17 Regional Hospitals and Medical
Centres. In addition, there are hospitals for which other
organizations are responsible, e.g. Ministry of University
Affairs, Ministry of Defense and State Enterprises. Private
hospitals provide about 19 per cent of total public services (in
terms of the number of beds provided).
2.2 Preventive heath care programmes emphasizing reproductive
health care have been launched. These
programmes provide comprehensive health care, including pre-natal
care; education and information on health and
responsible parenthood; the opportunity for all women to
breast-feed; health care for all children; and measures to reduce
the risk of maternal and child mortality and morbidity.
3. The main organizations which disseminate information
concerning demographic trends and health status to the
public regularly include Mahidol University, Chulalongkorn
University and the Ministry of Public Health.
4. Providing good-quality family planning services and family
planning counselling and its integration in the
reproductive health context.
NATIONAL PRIORITY: High
STATUS REPORT: Thailand is considered
to be at the forefront of persuasive, imaginative and effective
family
planning programmes (See Thailand's national report submitted to
the Cairo Conference). NESDB considers
demographic trends when preparing Five-Year Plans for sustainable
social and economic development. Plans include
policies to reduce population growth rates and manage geographic
distribution. Thai Plans recognize the critical
importance of providing educational opportunities for women.
1. Decision-Making Structure: NESDB and the Ministry of
Public Health (MOPH) are most directly concerned with
demographic issues. NESDB and MOSTE are the principal government
agencies responsible for the integration of all
aspects of the population, environment and development. The
Ministry of Public Health is involved in providing family
planning and maternal and child health services. In addition, NGOs
are actively involved in family planning and
developing public awareness programmes. The National Commission on
Women's Affairs, which reports directly to the
Prime Minister, has introduced a Gender-Based Analysis Methodology,
for use in sustainable development planning.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: Educational
materials dealing with population and development are being
developed through working with officials at central and provincial
levels of MOPH.
3. Major Groups: The Population and Community Development
Association, Planned Parenthood Association of
Thailand, and other NGOs, work on population issues with strong
governmental support. The Twenty Year Perspective
Policies and Plans for the Developmental of Women (1992-2011) aims
to involve women in decision-making at all levels,
and particularly in sustainable development, through three major
initiatives: economic participation, social participation,
and political and administrative participation.
4. Finance: NGOs working on population issues receive
financial support from the Government and international
organizations. However, financial assistance from international
agencies has decreased during the last few years.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: Partners in Population
and Development, a South-South Initiative, was created
to coordinate a technical cooperation programme among 10 member
countries, including training/study tours and technical
assistance.
| Latest 199_ | ||||
| Population (Thousands) mid-year estimates | ||||
| Annual rate of increase (1990-1993) | ||||
| Surface area (Km2) | ||||
| Population density (people/Km2) | ||||
| Other data
| ||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 6: PROTECTING AND PROMOTING
HUMAN HEALTH
1. Primary health care and health education. The Primary
Health Care Programme was launched in 1977 as the main
public health strategy to reach the goal of "Health for All by the
Year 2000". The programme is based on community
involvement, utilization of appropriate technology, intersectoral
collaboration and equity in the health system. The
programme aims to satisfy basic community health needs for clean
water, sanitation, adequate and balanced nutrition, food
safety, and maternal and child health care. It works through
village health volunteers and receives government support
through health centres, district hospitals, and provincial health
officials. The programme covers all villages and
communities in rural, sub-urban and urban areas. About 65,170
Community Primary Health Care Centres have been
established and 719,500 Village Health Volunteers have been trained
all over the country. In 1993, a set of practical and
appropriate health indicators was developed to monitor the Health
for All goal at the community level. So far, about 80
percent of communities have passed the minimum criteria. Thailand
is expected to achieve the goal of "Health for All" by
the Year 1999.
2. Control of Communicable Diseases. Most childhood diseases
that are vaccine preventable (e.g. poliomyelitis tetanus
neonatorum) have declined dramatically during the past decades due
to successful immunization programmes, while other
communicable diseases (e.g. diarrhoea, dengue fever/dengue
hemorrhagic fever, and acute respiratory tract infection) are
still common. The prevalence of adult diseases (e.g venereal
diseases) has decreased due to a condom promotion
programme. On the other hand, some diseases have reemerged (e.g.
tuberculosis because of HIV/AIDS, and malaria and
filariasis which foreign workers imported from endemic areas).
Other diseases that need to be eradicated before the year
2000 include rabies and leprosy. HIV/AIDS is a serious problem to
which the government has given top priority. MOPH,
in conjunction with NGOs, has adjusted its strategies to prevent
and control HIV/AIDS by focusing on strengthening
individual and community capacity at all levels, especially in
villages, to reduce the personal and social impacts of HIV.
Emphasis is given to advocacy and information dissemination in
order to help people avoid risky behaviour, to reduce the
number of new HIV infections, and to lower the prevalence of the
disease in women and their offspring.
3. Health Protection for s High Risk Group. Government
support gives top priority to health insurance programmes for
lower income groups, children under 12, disabled persons, and the
elderly.
4. Health as Quality of Life. A programme to promote better
health and quality of life of urban dwellers, especially under
privileged groups, has been implemented. Intersectoral committees
on pollution prevention and control at provincial levels
have been established. Programmes to strengthen local authorities'
capacity, especially in municipalities, were created to
encourage community participation in supporting environmental
health.
5. Environmental Hazardous Health Protection. Programmes have
been created to reduce environmental health risks from
pollution and to promote environmental health protection.
Activities include : advocacy among business owners, polluters,
workers, consumers and people in general, through meetings,
publications, mass media and special campaigns; revision,
enactment and enforcement of legislation concerning environmental
health by applying economic instruments in pollution
control (e.g. appropriate subsidies or charges); development of
environmental health; surveillance programmes dealing
with the quality of drinking water, surface water, and health;
encouragement of control of water and air pollution,
especially in large cities; establishment of occupational health
programmes in both industrial and agricultural sectors to
limit workers' exposure to health hazards; and lastly,
implementation of the WHO Healthy Cities Programmes. All these
approaches play a significant role in the Eighth National Economic
and Social Development Plan.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: The Ministry of Public Health
(MOPH) implements the following programmes in collaboration with
other organizations:
1. Decision-Making Structure: MOPH coordinates with other
organizations (such as MOSTE). The Ministry of Interior,
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Ministry of University
Affairs, the Thai Red Cross Society, and NGOs provide
services ranging from care and treatment, health promotion, disease
prevention and rehabilitative care. However,
decision-making structures are decentralized in the above-mentioned
areas.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: Central government
and all concerned organizations support regional and local
organizations in the implementation of their activities by
providing finance, technical assistance, equipment and training.
3. Major Groups: Local authorities, health volunteers,
underprivildged groups (e.g. children, youth, elderly, and the
poor) and private organizations.
4. Finance: Financial support is provided by the Government
at central and local levels, the private sector, local
authorities, NGOs and international organizations.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: Inter-agency
cooperation is active in these areas: UNEP on Global Environment
Monitoring Systems (GEMS), WHO on environmental health planning and
the Healthy Cities Programme; UNICEF in
Children's programmes, and UNESCO on environmental studies.
| Latest 199_ | ||||
| Life expectancy at birth Male Female | ||||
| Infant mortality (per 1000 live births) | ||||
| Maternal mortality rate (per 100000 live births) | ||||
| Access to safe drinking water (% of population) | ||||
| Access to sanitation services (% of population) | ||||
| Other data
| ||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 7: PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE HUMAN
SETTLEMENT DEVELOPMENT
NATIONAL PRIORITY: Medium
STATUS REPORT: No information.
1. Decision-Making Structure: No information.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
| Urban population in % of total population | |||
| Annual rate of growth of urban population (%) | |||
| Largest city population (in % of total population) | |||
| Other data
| |||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 8: INTEGRATING ENVIRONMENT AND
DEVELOPMENT IN DECISION-MAKING
Environmental sustainability, poverty alleviation and quality
of life considerations have been given increased attention
in the National Social and Economic Development Plan during the
last 20-25 years. This trend has continued with the
adoption of Thailand's Eighth Plan in 1996.
NATIONAL PRIORITY: Very High
STATUS REPORT: Environmental impact assessment
of policies and programmes is not yet as well developed as the
EIA procedure for specific projects. A number of international
agreements have called for national strategies, plans and
programmes in both sectoral and cross-sectoral areas. Laws and
regulations are revised from time to time, reflecting, inter
alia, a growing appreciation of sustainable development
concerns. The main constraints to implementing international
legal instruments related to sustainable development recently
signed or ratified have been the lack of staff resources,
technical expertise, time, and funding. There are also difficulties
encountered in amending existing national legislation.
However, UNDP and other agencies' expert assistance on specific
issues, time-tested procedures for ESCAP, and other
UN consultations are perceived as very helpful,
1. Decision-Making Structure (please also refer to the fact
sheet): EIA reporting is part of decision-making for all
major projects. Projects of government agencies and enterprises
require reports as part of each feasibility study, which are
reviewed for approval by the National Environment Board. EIAs for
private projects must be approved by a committee of
experts before licenses are granted by the appropriate agencies.
Environmental Impact Assessment has been applied in Thailand
as a tool for environmental planning and management
of development projects since 1981. Currently, there are 22 types
and sizes of projects for which the proponent must
submit an EIA report before a license is granted. Since the
Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental
Quality Act was enacted in 1992, the EIA process in Thailand has
been changed, i.e. it requires additional reviewing
groups. Various stakeholders experience problems in the
implementation of EIA requirements because of a lack of
experience and expertise with large scale projects in specific
sectors, the lack of interest in EIA work, and the low quality
of some parts of the EIA reports.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: There is a strong
need to strengthen capacity as well as technological
information. In Thailand, experts in specific fields such as air
and noise impact assessment, and industrial risk assessment
are scarce. Modern methodologies and techniques such as
mathematical modeling and expert systems need to be applied
more widely.
The Office of Environmental Policy and Planning (OEPP) is the
agency responsible for EIA development and is
currently coordinating with the Asian Development Bank and other
international agencies to strengthen the EIA practice
and build capacity for the future assessment of work.
3. Major Groups: All major stakeholders are consulted and
encouraged to participate in the EIA process. Increasingly,
diverse voices are represented effectively.
4. Finance: Finance is an important factor related to the
quality of EIA reports, and EIA consulting firms are usually
selected on the basis of the lowest biding price. Winning bids are
quite low and do not allow for experienced experts to
participate in preparing most reports.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: Generally, the
political implications of international agreements and other
policy issues are dealt with through consultation among all groups
of stakeholders and, following a national tradition,
action is taken only after a consensus on major policy issues has
been reached.
Environmental Impact Assessment has been used as an
integrative environmental management tool among countries.
International cooperation such as expert assistance can help
develop capacity in the area of Environmental Impact
Assessment. Presently, Thailand cooperates with various institutes
in developing countries to organize EIA-related
training/workshops and prepare technical guidelines.
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 9: PROTECTION OF THE
ATMOSPHERE
The Montreal Protocol and its Amendments were ratified by
Thailand July 7, 1989
The London Amendment (1990) was ratified by Thailand June 25,
1992
The Copenhagen Amendment (1992) was ratified by Thailand December
1, 1995
The latest report(s) to the Montreal Protocol Secretariat were
prepared in mid-1996.
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change : No
information.
Additional comments relevant to this chapter
Thailand has been a party to the Montreal Protocol since 1989
and has ratified subsequent Amendments to the
Protocol. Thailand, as an Article 5 country under the Protocol, is
eligible for assistance from the Multilateral Fund. Two
implementing agencies, the World Bank and the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP), work in Thailand to
channel funds and equipment from the Multilateral Fund to
industries in Thailand. As of December 1996, under UNEP,
two projects have been completed, and under the World Bank, four
solvent cleaning projects have received funding. Phase
II of the domestic refrigerator projects have been submitted
recently for consideration by the 21st Executive Committee.
Thailand's government has remained active in its efforts to
curb the import of various Ozone Depleting Substances
(ODSs), such as CFCs and halon, according to the provisions of its
Country Programme (an official phaseout schedule for
the country) as well as working to motivate industries to cooperate
in the phasing out process. The Department of
Industrial Works (DIW) has set quotas for each of these substances
(CFC quotas began in 1993 and Halon quotas began in
1996) in order to control the ODSs entering Thailand. From 1994 to
1995, the amount of CFCs imported into Thailand
decreased by approximately 1800 MT and the amount of halon imported
into Thailand decreased by 60 MT. Thailand has
also made strides towards increasing public awareness among
industries. During Ozone Day, 16 September 1996, DlW
organized a seminar in which industries were given the opportunity
to learn about new alternatives to ODSs as well as
share their experiences of changing to non-ODS technology.
Most recently, DIW has sent to the Cabinet a new regulation
which bans CFCs in the production of new domestic
refrigerators beginning 1 January 1997. This landmark regulation
represents a conclusion to the close cooperation between
DIW, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, and Japan
(MITI) to improve standards for the new R-134a
compressor which domestic refrigerator manufacturers in Thailand
will be using in the future.
NATIONAL PRIORITY: High
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Office of Environment
Policy & Planning (OEPP) of the Ministry of Science,
Technology & Environment (MOSTE) is primarily responsible for
the protection of the atmosphere. It is a full-fledged
member of the National Coordination Mechanism for Sustainable
Development and serves as the Secretariat to the
National Environment Board (NEB). National legislation has been
reviewed, in part, in light of Agenda 21. Air pollution
standards are reviewed continuously and are revised occasionally by
the Pollution Control Department and the Ministry of
Science Technology and Environment. The Hazardous Substances
Control Division of the Department of Industrial Work
of the Ministry of Industry is responsible for the control of CFCs.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: At the national
level, the early detection system and the capacity to predict
changes and fluctuations are rated as "poor" and national level
capacity-building and training to perform systematic
observations and assessments is rated " adequate". The Government
has provided training opportunities in the area of
transboundary atmospheric pollution control. The Department of
Industrial Works (DIW), the Pollution Control
Department (PCD) and the Industrial Estates Authority of Thailand
(IEAT) share responsibility for improving
environmental practices, including pollution control, waste
minimization, wastewater treatment and toxic waste practices
in all plants, especially those with ten or more workers. In terms
of transboundary atmospheric pollution, the country's
capacity for observation, assessment, and research is rated as
"poor"; while its rating on information exchange is "good".
Seminars have been held in the Aerosol and Haitian sectors, as well
as on ozone day. These seminars discussed
alternatives to ozone depleting substances.
3. Major Groups: NGOs carried out studies on the negative
health effects resulting from air pollution. NGOs, major
groups and the private sector have participated in efforts to
strengthen the scientific basis for decision-making, promote
sustainable development and prevent stratospheric ozone depletion.
Agencies involved include: the Department of
Industrial Works, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP),
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP),
and the World Bank.
4. Finance: Funds and equipment from the multilateral fund
of the Montreal Protocol are channeled through
implementing agencies such as the World Bank and the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP). These funds
and equipment are used to assist industries in Thailand to change
to non-ODS technology.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: The Thai Government
has not taken any initiative within the framework of the
United Nations and its regional commissions to convene a regional
conference on transportation and the environment,
except for participating in a few seminars on "Vehicle Emission
Control", sponsored by the World Bank. In the area of
transboundary atmospheric pollution, regional, multilateral and
bilateral agreements are being approved and discussed.
United Nations bodies and intergovernmental organizations have
participated in efforts to strengthen the scientific basis for
decision making, promote sustainable development, prevent
stratospheric ozone depletion and reduce transboundary
atmospheric pollution. There was a Trilateral Conference between
the Department of Industrial Works (Thailand), the U.S
Environmental Protection Agency, and the Ministry of International
trade and Industry (Japan) on CFCs.
| Latest 199- | ||||
| CO2 emissions (eq. million tons) | ||||
| SOx " | ||||
| NOx " | ||||
| CH4 " | ||||
| Consumption of ozone depleting substances (Tons) | ||||
| Expenditure on air pollution abatement in US$ equivalents (million) | ||||
| Other data | ||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 10: INTEGRATED APPROACH TO
THE PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT OF LAND
RESOURCES
1. Soil Information System Management in order to determine the
best use for land. This information system utilizes maps
and digital systems;
2. Land Use Planning and Land Use Zoning for determining land-use
in agricultural areas;
3. Land and Water Conservation and Land Resource Management for
sustainable development. During the 8th National
Economic and Social Development Plan, soil erosion prevention by
undertaking the cropping system.
4. Establishing land conservation volunteers in villages to advise
farmers about land use management.
Thailand has promoted sustainable land use in earlier national
development plans through various means -- land
conservation, minimization of chemical applications, planting
methods, crop diversification, etc. In the 7th Plan, the
sustainable land use concept was broadened through integrated land
use planning and management. Land consolidation and
agricultural marketing supports have been provided. The new concept
of sustainable agriculture for areas vulnerable to
drought has been promoted in selected areas by the King. Similarly,
chemical-free agriculture or natural farming has been
promoted in areas where there is market potential.
Due to sustainable agriculture, pressure on forest areas which are
agriculturally marginal has been reduced. To further
enhance ecological systems and achieve the national target, forest
rehabilitation and reforestation has been promoted on
private land. A major part of land use planning in Thailand
concerns the classification of land and soil through surveys
which are used to support agricultural economic zoning to identify
crop potential.
Land classification in Thailand was completed in l988. A soil
survey was implemented and completed at the end of the 6th
Plan.
A more detailed survey of land capability classification is needed
for practical land use purposes. The Department in
charge has completed a soil detail survey for 1.5 million rai
annually between 1992-1996. In the future, land use planning
at the village level will be prepared.
A number of projects have been implemented to support the adoption
of the land use planning program. Those activities
implemented before 1992, which will continue throughout the 8th
Plan, include : detailed classification, soil tests, socio
economic surveys by soil types, soil classification, land use
planning at the village level, and preparing a land use map at
the provincial level.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: In Thailand, the primary emphasis
of land use planning has been on agricultural land. The
Department of Land Development, under the Ministry of Agriculture
and cooperatives has implemented activities
concerning sustainable land management as follows:
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Department of Land
Development is responsible for sustainable land use in
Thailand. The Department of Land Development provides projects and
alternatives for sustainable land use for farmers to
make decisions.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues:
- Land use planning
- Land and water conservation, both cropping and mechanical
systems
- Soil Management for agriculture
Major Objectives in capacity-building for sustainable land use
include
- organic matter should be maintained in the soil at suitable
levels
- plant nutrient removal by crop should be replenished
- soil erosion must be controlled
3. Major Groups: Women, children and youth, private
enterprise, local administrative bodies, scientists and
technologists, and farmers are the major groups involved in
sustainable land use.
4. Finance: Budget of the Thailand Government.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: Jive.
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 11: COMBATING
DEFORESTATION
Various studies have isolated a number of factors which affect
deforestation. Population increase is the most important
as it requires increased demand for farmland and forest products.
Low incomes reinforce the effect of population pressure.
Rising agricultural productivity and crop prices underlie the
demand for land for commercial purposes . To a lesser
extent, forests have been lost to physical infrastructure such as
roads and dams, golf courses and resorts, and conversion
to aquaculture. Natural forests have also been converted to
commercial forest plantations. These factors are becoming
more conspicuous, since they occur mainly in accessible forests.
Land speculation is driving land prices to extraordinarily
high levels, and attractively located forests are now being
prepared for conversion.
Thailand so far has relied on regulations to protect and
conserve forest areas and their natural resource base. In order
to safeguard biological diversity, a large forest area has been
demarcated as protected. Currently, there are 112 national
parks, 44 wildlife sanctuaries, 48 non-hunting areas, 25 watershed
areas, 22 protected mangrove forests, 47 forest parks,
5 botanical gardens, and 44 arboreta in the country, covering a
total area of about 84 million rai (13.4 million ha) or
26.19% of the land area of the Kingdom. In these protected areas,
the rehabilitation of forests has been undertaken by
relying on indigenous species to improve environmental stability.
Future implementation programs emphasizing the
conservation of biodiversity are being given top priority.
Since 1994 , the Royal Forest Department has been implementing
three major projects: Forest Rehabilitation Project to
Commemorate the Royal Golden Jubilee, the Private Forest Farm, and
Fast-growing Tree Species Extension. In addition,
community forestry development has been successful in various areas
of the country, including the Reforestation and
extension project in the Northeast of Thailand (a REX Project
supported by JICA ) which is now promoted as a means for
rehabilitation as well as for rural development. These activities
not only improve the environmental quality of local
communities, but also upgrade the living standard of villagers due
to income generating activities.
In order to protect the remaining forest area, the Forest
Protection Office of the Royal Forest Department has been
working on protecting the remaining forest and encouraging people
to collaborate in forest conservation. These measures
include law enforcement and conservation campaigns. Law enforcement
is mostly used by Forest Protection Units, which
total 598 units throughout the country. The campaigns are mostly
implemented by Forest Fire Control sessions which total
59 around the country.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has announced a
ban of further mangrove forest concessions in order to
conserve the remaining mangrove forest area,. Law enforcement as
well as regulations are being revised so that
enforcement will be more effective. Rehabilitation plans have been
implemented and check points and mangrove forest
protection units have also been established.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: Thailand is one the continental
South-East Asian countries with an area of 320.7 million rai (51.3
million ha ) and a population of 60 million. During the last three
decades, the forestry sector has been plagued by
persistent deforestation and an impasse in reforestation
activities. Forest cover of the Kingdom has declined from 171.0
million rai (27.4 million ha) or 53.3% of the land area in 1961 to
only 83.5 million rai (13.4 million ha ) or 26.0% in
1993.
1. Decision-Making Structure: No information.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
| Latest 199- | ||||
| Forest Area (Km2) | ||||
| Protected forest area | ||||
| Roundwood production (solid volume of roundwood without bark in mill m3) | ||||
| Deforestation rate (Km2/annum) | ||||
| Reforestation rate (Km2/annum) | ||||
| Other data
| ||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 12: MANAGING FRAGILE
ECOSYSTEMS: COMBATING DESERTIFICATION AND
DROUGHT
The International Convention to Combat Desertification in
Countries Experiencing Drought and/or Desertification
Particularly in Africa has not yet been signed by the
Government.
Additional comments relevant to this chapter
Thailand always sends representatives to meetings concerning the
International Convention to Combat Desertification.
Thailand is considering cooperating as an associate member.
The Royal Thai Government has designated representatives to
participate in the various meetings of the
Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for the Desertification
Convention. Thailand is very much interested in
becoming a party to the Convention and is in the process of
acceding to the Convention. Thailand is conducting many
programmes and activities that are in line with the objectives of
the Convention. They include land use planning in several
watershed areas, conservation of land and water programmes, the
establishment of land development villages, etc.
NATIONAL PRIORITY: Low
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: No information.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: Land use planning, land and water conservation.
3. Major Groups: Government Organization: Department of Land Development; Agricultural Organization: Volunteers of Land Conservation in villages.
4. Finance: Budget of the Thai Government.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: JICA, FAO, OSTROM IBSRAM.
|
| Latest 199_ | ||||
| Land affected by desertification* (Km2) | ||||
| Other data * Effected area cannot be identified but a portion of the land area experiences desertification. Soil erosion affects about 134 million rai. | ||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 13: MANAGING FRAGILE
ECOSYSTEMS: SUSTAINABLE MOUNTAIN DEVELOPMENT
1. The highland area of Thailand is about 96.1 million rai,
consisting of a
- Northern Part 54.0 million rai
- Middle Part 12.0 million rai
- Southern Part 14.6 million rai
- North Eastern Part 12.1 million rai
- Eastern Part 3.4 million rai
2. The population living in highland areas is about 850,000 persons
distributed among 20 provinces.
3. Natural resource degradation and deforestation has had a very
negative impact on ecological balance.
4. Highland communities are classified into four groups: registered
community; unregistered community with the potential
to be a registered community; unregistered community which cannot
be a registered community; and special community.
NATIONAL PRIORITY: High
STATUS REPORT: The Department of Land
Development reports as follows :
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Secretariat of the
National Security Council and the Department of Land
Development are responsible for the sustainable management of
mountains in Thailand.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: Land and Water
Conservation Systems in highland areas.
3. Major Groups: All concerned groups.
4. Finance: The Thai Government budget.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: International
cooperation includes ASEAN and bilateral activities with Burma,
Cambodia and Laos. Thailand receives aid from ADB and Finland.
|
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 14: PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE
AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
A. Under the 8th National Social and Economic Development Plan,
the Department of Land Development will
undertake the following activities between l997 - 2001 :
(1) Land Use Planning, (2) Land and Water Conservation Systems, (3)
Vertiver grass against erosion, (4) Cropping
Systems, (5) Integrated Agricultural Systems, (6) Selection of Crop
varieties tolerant of pest and soil, and
(7) Tree Conservation and forests expansion by growing new trees.
B. The Community Development Department (CDD) of the Ministry of
Interior, is responsible for improving the
quality of life and environment of rural people to meet basic
minimum needs by promoting participation in family and
community development activities. According to the 1992 Degree on
Administration of the Community Development
Department, the CDD has the following mission:
1. The CDD educates and develops people in the learning process to
establish self-reliance in social, economic and
environmental development. The target groups are children, youth,
women, community volunteers and local leaders;
2. The CDD supports people's organizations, community development
volunteers and leaders in community development
by promoting public participation with respect to their economic,
social and cultural circumstances;
3. The CDD systematically promotes rural development administration
by assisting communities to establish Village Data
Systems to guide Rural Development Plans. The CDD also develops
community organizations to enable them to solve
problems.
In terms of Environmental Development the CDD has 3 main activities
as follows:
1. Rural Infrastructure Development - to build, maintain and use
public properties, such as rainwater containers, wells,
village roads and bridges;
2. Environmental Development to encourage people to conserve
natural resources and environment through non-formal
education methods, i.e. training and mass media (printed materials
and audio visual aids);
3. Water Resource Utilization Promotion Project. This project has
organized water resource users, (i.e. occupation groups
and general water users), to establish Water Resource Utilization
Groups for water resource maintenance and problem
solving. The Water Utilization Group has developed administrative
committees, rules and water utilization regulations in
order to maximize its distribution among users so that living
standards can be improved.
The Water Resource Management Project has two main activities.
The project provides a training course for members
of the group about water resource management. The project has also
supported a revolving fund per group for
occupational and water utilization activities i.e. vegetable
cultivating, live stock, fishery and integrated farming.
Through the Community Approach to the Natural Resources
Management Project (CNM Project), the CDD
established a collaborative relationship with the Faculty of Social
Administration, Thanmasat University, a committee of
community development experts from the University of
Wisconsin-Madison in the United States and The Royal Forest
Department of Agriculture and Cooperatives. The CNM project
received funding from the Ford Foundation. The project's
goal is to encourage participation in natural resource management
with an emphasis on community forests, the
role of community development, workers, and the process of raising
the level of local participation.
The CDD encourages participation in the conservation,
maintenance and sustenance of nature and the
environment through a joint effort of the government and private
sector.
NATIONAL PRIORITY: High
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: No information.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
| Latest 199_ | ||||
| Agricultural land (Km2) | ||||
| Agricultural land as % of total land area | ||||
| Agricultural land per capita | ||||
| Latest 199_ | ||||
| Consumption of fertilizers per Km2 of agricultural land as of 1990 | ||||
| Other data
| ||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 15: CONSERVATION OF
BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY
The Convention on Biological Diversity was signed in 1992. The
Convention has not yet been ratified.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of
Wild Fauna and Flora was signed in 1975 and
ratified in 1983.
Additional comments relevant to this chapter In accordance
with the decision of UNCD, RFD has formed a committee
for considering the issues concerning biological diversity.
Currently, RFD is in the process of establishing an office to
handle the implementation in cooperation with the National
Committee on the Convention in Biological Diversity which is
the national biodiversity governing body under the National
Environmental Board.
The Department of Fisheries is responsible for aquatic fauna
in Thai Waters (including Crocodiles). The Department
of Fisheries has adequate capacity and technological inputs in
regards to aquatic fauna. Traders, aquaculturists and
crocodile farmers are involved.
No data is available on finance.
The Department of Livestock Development (DLD) has continued to
work on programmes for the conservation of
indigenous animal genetic resources which include endangered
species, such as cattle of the scientific names Bos banteng,
Bos frontalis, two native cattle breeds, as well as two
breeds of laying ducks known as Paknum and Nakon
Pathom. There
are four vulnerable indigenous species in the country known as
swamp buffaloes, Pubalus bubalis; native chicken,
muscovy duck and geese; four breeds of swine; and seven breeds of
dairy and beef cattle. The DLD develops research
programmes concentrating on these indigenous animal genetic
resources by assigning the Animal Husbandry Division to
research and monitor such species, aiming to maintain pure line
breeding and then utilize cross breeding to produce a
sustainable herd. The DLD is preparing to renew the Livestock
Breeding Improvement Regulation to conserve and
appropriately use indigenous and exogenous animal genetic
resources.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: No information.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: The agencies and
organizations concerned with wildlife conservation under
CITES. HRI is cooperating with the Botany and Weed Science Division
in identifying varieties of indigenous fruit crops
and vegetable and medicinal plants. Regarding the conservation of
threatened species, 9 kinds of fruit crops (119 varieties)
in areas prone to flooding in central Thailand have been collected.
Germplasm gardens have been established. Morphology
studies are now being implemented. HRJ also cooperates with IBPGR
in the collection of introduced varieties.
| Latest 199_ | |||
| Protected area as % of total land area | |||
| Latest 199_ | |||
| Number of threatened species | |||
| Other data
| |||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 16: ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND
MANAGEMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
NATIONAL PRIORITY: Medium
STATUS REPORT: Please refer to Chapter 15.
1. Decision-Making Structure: No information.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
|
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 17: PROTECTION OF THE
OCEANS, ALL KINDS OF SEAS, INCLUDING ENCLOSED
AND SEMI-ENCLOSED SEAS, AND COASTAL AREAS AND THE PROTECTION,
RATIONAL USE AND DEVELOPMENT OF THEIR LIVING RESOURCES
The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea: No information.
See also the attached tables on the next pages.
Thailand has no national policy on oceans. There is, however, a
programme for the integrated management and
sustainable development of coastal and marine areas, excluding
EEZs. All activities under this programme area are rated
as "important" or "very important"; some have been fully covered,
most are well covered and gaps are being addressed.
The programme area on marine environmental protection calls for
action that should be taken in accordance with the
provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Regarding the programme area of marine
environmental protection, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is
a mandatory requirement for specific major
investment activities which may cause significant adverse impact on
the environment. Tax exemption is provided for
investment in all environmental protection and energy saving
equipment. All activities under the programme area
concerning marine environment technology are rated as "important".
The Fisheries Department (Ministry of Agriculture)
is monitoring coastal zones and estuaries for toxic chemicals,
heavy metals and oil pollution. More generally,
environmental management policies and structures are still being
fleshed out; measures concerning land areas (e.g. water
supplies) are slightly more advanced than arrangements to manage
coastal and marine resources. The Thai Government
has access to technologies that serve to identify the major types
of pollution of the marine environment from land-based
sources, but these technologies are neither installed nor used. A
list of projects for external funding will be prepared in
the context of Plan VIII (1997-2001). The following projects have
been or are in process of being completed: (1)
USAID-ASEAN Coastal Resources Management Project; (2) Integrated
Coastal Resources Management Project (U.S.
Rhode Island University).
All sewage-related issues are rated as "important" or "very
important" but are poorly covered. Wastewater standards
were established in Plan VII, the Environmental Law of 1992 and
related regulations; however, performance has not kept
pace with standards. Major wastewater collection and treatment
investments have been formulated and are now being
implemented in the areas of most substantial burden (e.g., Bangkok
Metropolitan Region, tourist areas like Pattaya,
Pukhet, Samui, et. al.). Most activities under the
programme area on marine environmental protection are rated as
"important", but are poorly covered. Most of the activities under
programme area: "Addressing critical uncertainties for
the management of the marine environment" and "Climate change" are
rated as "important" but are poorly covered or not
at all. Once the focal point for dealing with these issues has
been determined by the Royal Thai Government, Thailand
will participate more actively in international cooperative
scientific programmes. The Government also intends to develop
socio-economic and environmental indicators, mussel watch
programmes, clearing houses and participate in systematic
observation systems. In order to provide information for
integrated coastal management, a bibliography will be assembled
and evaluated. Since 1975, comprehensive assessments have been
made of the state of the environment of coastal and
marine areas. The rate of deterioration has declined but is still
of significant concern. Regenerating mangroves, cleaning
beaches and other improvements will require focused attention and
substantial resources during the next decade.
NATIONAL PRIORITY: High
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Office of Environmental
Policy & Planning (OEPP) requires the preparation of
Environmental Management Plans annually in each of nearly 80
Changwats (administrative units like provinces); the
Department of Land Development of the Ministry of Agriculture and
Cooperatives plans and regulates land use especially
of coastal areas and estuaries; the Department of Local
Administration of the Ministry of Interior is responsible for town
planning functions and has prepared Urban Environmental Management
Guidelines for the application of seven pilot
township projects. These departments are fully integrated in the
national structure responsible for sustainable development,
an interagency subcommittee on coastal resources management works
within the NEB framework. The Office of
Environmental Policy and Planning (OEPP) of the Ministry of
Science, Technology and Environment (MOSTE) of the
marine Coastal sub-committee under the National Environment Board
(NEB) is primarily responsible for evaluating plans,
problems, issues, etc. about coastal areas for decision-making.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: Thailand has
developed capacity-building and training programmes. OEPP
has initiated a programme of coral protection and rehabilitation
for which a zoning system has been established. Three
zones of coral reefs in Thailand were classified according to
conservation and economic development needs which include
a local management zone and a tourism zone. Rehabilitation
programmes to protect against the damage caused by boat
anchoring activities have been implemented through public
information campaigns via publications and popular media such
as radio and television. The Thai Government realizes the
importance of managing forests and coral reef habitats.
3. Major Groups: Major group participation, including the
private sector, small-scale artisanal fishermen and indigenous
people, is advisory at national and local levels. No specific
information is available.
4. Finance: No specific information available.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: ASEAN's
environmental activities and UNEP's Regional Seas Programme are
activities requiring international cooperation for sea-based
activities. Regarding the sustainable use and conservation of
living resources of the high seas, relevant agreements are being
reviewed in order to formulate national policies.
Responsible authorities are still reviewing the Code of Conduct on
Responsible Fishing, as it is a relatively new document
for the Thai Government. Thailand also participates in UNEP's
Regional Seas Programme, Mekong River Development
studies and consultations, South East Asia Fisheries Development,
Asia Pacific Fisheries Development, and the Marine
Fisheries Committee. It takes part in the Global Ocean Observing
System.
OEPP Cooperated with AEAN countries under the ASEAN Australia
Economic Cooperation Programme (AAECP)
phase III, sponsored by the Australian Government. In the future,
this project will exchange coastal data in the region for
sustainable coastal management.
| Latest 199- | ||||
| Catches of marine species (metric tons) | ||||
| Population in coastal areas | ||||
| Population served by waste water treatment (% of
country's total population) | ||||
| Discharges of oil into coastal waters (metric tons) | ||||
| Releases of phosphate into coastal waters (metric tons) | ||||
| Releases of nitrate into coastal waters (metric tons) | ||||
| Mangrove forests (rai) |
|
| ||
| Shrimp farm (rai) | (1989) (1991) (1993) | |||