Summary
Thailand is committed to the goal of environmental protection and sustainable development. It has a strong environmental policy and legislative framework, as well as established environmental institutions that focus on implementing policies to address the country's environmental and energy concerns at the national and provincial levels. However, increasing levels of pollution, rising domestic solid and hazardous wastes, and increased levels of industrial wastewater have significantly dented the state of the economy.
Evolution
In order to prevent hunting and the encroachment of wildlife habitat, the Wild Animals Preservation and Protection Ac t was introduced in 1960. Several acts were implemented for regulating the usage of land in urban areas, including the City Planning Act of 1975 and the 1960 Act for Cleanliness and Orderliness of the Country. The establishment of the National Environmental Quality Act (NEQA) in 1992 provided the landmark for the development of Thailand's natural environment as well as its ongoing quest for bureaucratic reform. The NEQA formed the National Environmental Board and the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Environment with the aim of controlling reclamation projects and ecological preservation.
In 1992, the Energy Conservation Promotion Fund was established in order to offer monetary support to factories and buildings for investment in and operation of energy conservation programs. The Fisheries Act – which was initially formed in 1947 and administers fishing and aquaculture development activities through the protection of fishing habitats and nursing grounds – was again updated in 1994. In 1996, the country formulated the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand Act, with a view to addressing the issues of industrial waste treatment in industrial areas. In 2002, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment was formed, its objectives including protecting the water and mineral resources; preserving marine and coastal resources; and improving environmental quality.
Structure and policies
Environmental regulations
Overview
The government’s medium-term development plan monitors economic growth, social welfare, and environmental sustainability. In Thailand, several well-resourced agencies are responsible for developing and implementing a range of environmental policy instruments. Several ministries and agencies have mandates for environmental programs, including the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Ministry of Industry, the Ministry of Transport and Communications, the Ministry of Planning, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives.
Policies
The government has initiated several policies since 1961. It has implemented successive five year National Economic and Social Development Plans that focus on the overall priority and policy framework for the country’s development. The seventh plan (1992–96) affirmed the government’s commitment to encouraging sustainable economic development that safeguards the environment. The eighth plan (1997–2001) aimed to improve natural resources and the environment by
strengthening environmental management; the primary objectives of this plan were to provide good governance through decentralization, public participation in decision-making, and increasing transparency and accountability. The ninth plan (2002–06) focused on improving management by striking a balance between usage and conservation of natural resources and improving the quality of life of the Thai people.
Furthermore, Thailand framed a 20 year policy and prospective plan for Enhancement and Conservation of National Environment Quality (1997–2016). The policy is focused on recognizing the responsibilities of local government authorities and non-governmental organizations towards improving and safeguarding the quality of water by increasing awareness.
The plan also aims to reduce water pollution generated from industrial and agricultural activities by encouraging greater investment in the private sector.
In October 2010, the Thai cabinet agreed to impose a new tax on polluting industries as part of its efforts to conserve the environment. The tax rates are expected to be set based on type of pollution including water, air, and industrial waste. As part of the green tax initiative, the government plans to introduce a 15% tax on airline tickets from 2012. In the automotive sector, the government will set green tax rates based on CO2 emissions, fuel efficiency, and safety, instead of engine size.
Performance
Environmental impact
Economic development, urbanization, and industrial expansion have had a severe impact on the country’s ecosystems. A siginificant portion of the country’s forest cover has been lost, while around 50% of rivers and lakes suffer from poor water quality. The rampant use of land and water without proper planning has led to climate change that threatens to impact the low-lying central region in a big way. The country has faced high pollution levels over the years due to motor vehicle emissions in Bangkok, Hat Yai, and Chiang Mai. The release of smoke caused by incomplete combustion from poor quality engines is a major contributor to air pollution. Furthermore, airborne particulate pollution levels have worsened in the northern province of Chiang Rai, with levels of carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and lead that are above internationally recognized levels. The government is promoting the use of natural gas powered engines, and aims to meet the Euro 4 fuel standard by 2012.
In 2009, Thailand was the fourth highest producer of greenhouse gases in the region and 31st in the world, with a per-head emission rate of 5.1 tonnes. Globally, Thailand accounts for around 1% of carbon emissions, which calls for a reduction in emissions at the average level for the world. Carbon dioxide emissions have risen by more than three times compared to 1990 levels, due to low investment in the public transportation sector and inefficient planning concerning power generation.
CO2 emissions increased from around 187 million metric tonnes in 2002 to around 268 million metric tonnes in 2010.
Figure 24: Carbon dioxide emissions in Thailand, 2003–10
-4.0 -2.0 0.0 2.0 4.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0
0.0 50.0 100.0 150.0 200.0 250.0 300.0
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Growth (%)
Million metric tons
Year
Volume Growth rate
Source: Datamonitor D A T A M O N I T O R
Figure 25: Carbon fuel usage in Thailand, 2003–10
-15.0 -10.0 -5.0 0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Barrels of oil equivalent per capita
Year
Carbon fuel usage
Source: Datamonitor D A T A M O N I T O R
Outlook
Thailand is acclaimed for its rich natural resource base, and the biodiversity of the country has significant economic value.
Thailand benefits from rich biodiversity, including a variety of fauna (spanning from large wildlife such as elephants to tiny bats) and flora (including giant forest trees and rare orchids). Moreover, the government has initiated several policies and measures with a focus towards ensuring a cleaner environment. However, the country has faced several natural disasters over the years, with the high rainfall and massive flooding since July 2011 being just one case in point. The devastating floods have thrown the economy out of gear, and in a country such as Thailand – where tourism, fisheries, and agriculture contribute significantly to the economy – the protection of ecosystems and the sound management of natural resources are crucial. The government plans to impose a green tax on various polluting industries, mostly industries that pollute the country's air and waterways. This is expected to generate additional tax revenues for the government, which it can plough back into environmental and wildlife conservation programs.