| Author | Tang, Xiaoying |
| Call Number | AIT RSPR no. NR-95-05 |
| Subject(s) | Environmental impact analysis--Thailand
|
| Note | A Research Study submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for degree of Master of
Science, School of Environment, Resources & Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Research studies project report ; no. NR-95-05 |
| Abstract | With the rapid economic growth of recent years, Thailand, like other developing
countries, has been suffering more and more serious degradation of its environment.
Environmental impact assessment (BIA) as an environmental management tool for
protecting and conserving the environment has been applied for about two decades in
Thailand. Although there is a relatively elaborate BIA system existing in the country,
progress in adopting BIA as a management tool has been still slow. While researches on
the shortcomings of BIA in Thailand has mostly concentrated on technological matters , the
potential of legislative and institutional dimensions of EIA is usually overlooked.
The purpose of this study is to develop a framework for assessing the strengths and
weaknesses of institutions involved in the EIA system. Within this framework, BIA
institutional effectiveness is determined by two sets of factors, first is the national BIA
legislation and overall institutional coordination; second is the institutional development.
There are three principle kinds of BIA institutions which dominate the successful
implementation of BIA in Thailand, namely, BIA Consultant Firms (EIA CFs), the Office
of Environmental Policy and Planning (OEPP) and Review Committees. The study reveals
that BIA legislation needs to be further improved, emphasis should be placed on
empowering the legal authority of the OEPP and increasing public participation in the BIA
system. With regard to the overall institutional effectiveness, the findings also show that
BIA consultant firms are slight higher in performance than the OEPP and the review
committees. Lack of qualified personnel to perform key functions in the BIA process in one
of the critical problem encountered by both the OEPP and BIA CFs. Also, insufficient
financial support has obstructed the full use of the available expertise in review committees
within the BIA system. The analysis also indicate that lack of flexibility and of ability to
innovate are the common weaknesses of all three kinds of institutions. Finally, it is
suggested to restructure the OEPP in order to improve the role of BIA in environmental
management. |
| Year | 1995 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Research studies project report ; no. NR-95-05 |
| Type | Research Study Project Report (RSPR) |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Natural Resources Management (NRM) |
| Chairperson(s) | Remigio, Amador A. ;Apisit Eiumnoh |
| Examination Committee(s) | Preeda Parkpian; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | The Government of France; |
| Degree | Research Studies Project Report (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1995 |