Twenty-nine Map Ta Phut Projects Remain Suspended

Published : July 27, 2010 :: 17:07:16 [ 1,276 views ]

A senior Thai government official on Monday reiterated that twenty-nine industrial projects at the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate in Rayong remain suspended. The projects have been stalled following a change to Thailand’s environmental regulations last year.

Bangkok, the 26^th of July 2010: Tharadol Piampongsarn (Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister) said that 29 of the initial 76 industrial projects suspended in September 2009 remain inactive. The projects were suspended following a Central Administrative Court order over their non-compliance with newly established environmental regulations.

Reportedly, operations at the 29 projects can proceed only if the companies in question agree to comply with the more stringent regulations or if Thai authorities wave the restrictions and adhere to the original terms of investment agreements.

Currently, 12 of the original 76 projects have received court permission to recommence operations, while 28 have been given permission to proceed following approval from the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand and the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning. Seven investment projects have decided to cancel their investments entirely.

Monday’s statement by Mr. Piampongsarn comes as several government agencies and institutions from within the public sector expressed concern over the ongoing situation. Worries that further delays could hamper Thailand’s investment credibility and future economic growth were the two overriding concerns expressed.

Industry Minister Chaiwuti Bannawat maintained that the ongoing investigation into the projects and a study of 18 categories of industrial project considered harmful to the environment would be completed by the end of 2010.

The study, ordered by the National Environment Committee headed by former Prime Minister Anand Panyarachun, found that 18 types of industrial project might harm the environment. The four-party panel also outlined a potential city plan to solve the pollution problems affecting Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate.

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