Sanction of Map Ta Phut as pollution-control zone could be postponed

02-May-09

The Thai government could delay the designation of Map Ta Phut as a pollution-control zone, creating an unclear investment climate in the industrial zone and freezing planned investment projects. The delay has been due to the pending appeal of the National Environment Board (NEB) against a court ruling, along with a delay by the local communities in completing their own pollution- reduction plan. The NEB is currently obliged to declare Map Ta Phut in Rayong a pollution-control zone by end of the week- 60 days after the Rayong Administrative Court issued its ruling in favour of local communities.