Thai Court ruling allows resumption of projects in Map Ta Phut

03-Sep-10

A Thai court has ruled that nearly all the projects at Map Ta Phut industrial park can resume operations. Most of the US$12 bln investment in new projects have been permitted to proceed, despite environmental and health concerns. Last year’s court decision has halted these projects, and raised concerns about Thailand’s economic stability. Two projects were deemed harmful by the cabinet this week, will have their operating licenses withdrawn. They will be able to seek permission from the National Environment Board to resume operations once they have completed the environmental- and health-impact assessments required under the 2007 constitution. An ethylene-glycol plant by TOC Glycol, a unit of PTT Chemical PCL, and a vinyl chloride monomer plant by an affiliate of Siam Cement PCL. PTT PCL will apply to the Department of Industrial Works for an operating license for its gas-separation plant before starting operations. The gas-separation plant is considered crucial as it will help to reduce the country's imports of liquefied petroleum gas.