1. Map Ta Phut

2.  The Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate was established in 1988 as part of the government’s policy to develop the eastern seaboard.  The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (I-EA-T), a state enterprise under the Ministry of Industry, was assigned by the government to undertake the implementation role.  Currently, the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate serves as a significant manufacturing base for petrochemical, chemical products, iron and metal, as well as refineries.

3. The rapid development of the industrial sector and the formation of industrial clusters in the Map Ta Phut area have posed a negative impact on the environment and the community’s quality of life. Major problems during the past few years can be summarized as follows: 2000-2003: Disturbing smell from petrochemical and refinery factories was caused by the fact that factories are located near the community without a buffer zone. 2005: Drought and water shortage brought about a competition for water resources between the community and the industrial sector. 2007-Present: Environmental impact in the Map Ta Phut area – including health problems, shallow-well water contamination and the evaporation of organic compounds – led non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to call on the government to declare Map Ta Phut a pollution control area. Overview of Problems

4. What’s now?? Section 67. The right of a person to participate with State and communities in the preservation and exploitation of natural resources and biological diversity and in the protection, promotion and conservation of the quality of the environment for usual and consistent survival in the environment which is not hazardous to his health and sanitary condition, welfare or quality of life, shall be protected appropriately. Any project or activity which may seriously affect the quality of the environment, natural resources and biological diversity shall not be permitted, unless its impacts on the quality of the environment and on health of the people in the communities have been studied and evaluated and consultation with the public and interested parties have been organised, and opinions of an independent organisation, consisting of representatives from private environmental and health organisations and from higher education institutions providing studies in the field of environment, natural resources or health, have been obtained prior to the operation of such project or activity. The right of a community to sue a government agency, State agency, State enterprise, local government organisation or other State authority which is a juristic person to perform the duties under this section shall be protected. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) call on the Administative Court for the government to declare Map Ta Phut a pollution control area. Required elements 1) Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) 2) Health Impact Assessment (HIA) 3) Public Hearing 4) Independent Entity But now there are only element number 1 !!! Today; The central Administrative Court issued an injunction against 76 industries projects worth Bt400 billion in Map Ta Phut and surounding area in Rayong.

5. In the case that Map Ta Phut is shut down. Advantage  It could affect the country’s image in terms of the environment and health awareness.  Increase awareness for the other industries sector in other area to concern more about the environmental and health issue.  Decreasing the problems about the environment and improve the community’s quality of life.

6. In the case that Map Ta Phut is shut down. Disadvantage  Affect small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as they rely on large companies as supplier or contractors.  Shifting of new or existed FDI from Thailand into its neighboring countries like Vietnam due to enviromental and rgulation issue.  It would impact both country’s international image, sovereign rating and its creditworthiness(TNA).  Umemployment rate increases e.g. it is expected for 5,000 constuction workers to lose there job, the new graduated student will not be able to find their job.  According to Finance Minister, Korn Cahtikavanij; the GDP will be pulled down by 0.4 per cent lower from expected GDP before.

7. Recent News  The central administrative court still issued an injunction against 76 industries projects. Because the legal process is not completed yet. And it will be another announcement on 12 th November, 2009.  The Central Administrative court announcement on Monday 2 nd November, 2009 Consideration on 3 issues 1)The capabilities of Map Ta Phut could bear for the pollution. 2)Announcement for the regulation for any activities in Map Tha Phut that belongs to the laws. 3)How the government establishe the new regulation in order to support the section 67.

8. Chutima Thammasiri 5004640198 Phornrampha Kuariyakul 5004640784 Thank you for your attention.