The Enforcement of Environmental Law Concerning Industrial Estates

Abstract

In this documentary research, the researcher studies the enforcement of the law on the environment appertaining to industrial estates. The researcher accordingly considers  1) the aspects of the concepts employed in applying the law 2) the problems in enforcing the law, and 3) amending the law such that it addresses environmental problems in a manner acceptable to all parties concerned. Findings showed that pollution problems in industrial estate areas arise from the environmental law as applied to industrial estates that are unenforceable when it comes to large industrial factories characterized by complex production processes and the use of chemicals. Thus, the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) cannot promote industry while simultaneously promoting the environment. The researcher recommends the following guidelines for solving pollution problems. An independent organization should be established for controlling and following up on environmental issues. An independent committee should be established to review punishment for violations. Moreover, the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand Act, B.E. 2522 (1979) should be amended regarding the issue of being an instrument of state policy in promoting industry and simultaneously being charged with maintaining the environment. The type of factories releasing poisonous substances and buffer zones should be designated in the draft Act of Independent Organizations for Controlling and Following Up on the Environment, B.E….