4. Natural Resources and Environmental Policy

Mr. President,

Natural resources and the environment are important elements in the country’s development, requiring a balanced approach in utilization, conservation and replacement in order to safeguard these national assets for the next generation. The Government will, therefore, promote and accelerate the rehabilitation of soil and water conditions and solve the problem of environmental degradation and pollution so as to restore a sound environment to the Thai people.

The Government will set standards for managing public and private resources by encouraging participation of the private sector and local community in order to attain a balanced approach in utilization, tenure and conservation of resources base, land, forest, water and coastal resources. The Government will use the Geo-information system, amend laws and regulations, and expand participation among relevant sectors of society for the greatest benefits and sustainable development of the country and quality of life.

The Government will take both upstream and downstream measures for environmental preservation. These include supporting local communities to build dams and dykes in accordance with His Majesty’s Project, assuring fair access and sustainable use of bio-diversity, and investing in the systematic development of water resources in accordance with the physical characteristics of each river basin, from the development of watersheds and water sources to the distribution of benefits in an efficient and comprehensive manner. The Government will rehabilitate soil, stop illegal burning of plantation and surface degradation, reduce the use of biochemicals in agriculture, and pursue His Majesty’s Project to plant vetiver to protect soil surface from erosion. The Government will also implement preventive and early warning measures against natural disasters, e.g. floods, droughts, earthquakes, changes to the ozone layer and take necessary measures to mitigate impacts on and hardship to the people.

Regarding pollution, the Government will expedite measures to control pollution arising from production and consumption i.e. gas, waste, polluted water, noise and smell. The Government will expedite construction of a system for the treatment of waste water from societal use and agricultural and industrial activity, implement an environment-friendly waste disposal system and enhance waste disposal capacity of local administrative authorities.

The Government will promote the private sector’s role in research and development for energy conservation, environmental management, recycling of raw materials and clean technology. In order to reduce pollution and the social burden of pollution, the principle of the polluter pays the costs will be used. In addition, the Government will not allow Thailand to become an end receiver of waste which has to bear the costs of industrial waste and pollution.