Strategic Environmental Assessment: A Case Study of the Special Economic Zone Chiang Khong District, Chiang Rai Province

Abstract

This research studied the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Development Strategy of Chiang Khong District, Chiang Rai Province, define the alternatives and assess the economic, social and environmental impacts to suggest the  alternative that is likely to have minimal negative impacts and maximum positive impacts on the local economy, society and environment, as well as the measures to prevent and mitigate negative impacts from this alternative. The 2 alternatives were : 1) not adopt the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Development Strategies; 2) adopt the whole strategies to develop the special economic zone. The Scenario Analysis with descriptive study of the document and the Content Analysis of the data from the stakeholder interviews were employed for the assessment. The second alternative was the better choice for the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Development as it could clearly create the economic benefits such as new occupations, more employment, and more income. However, it would impose several negative impacts on the society and the environment. Suggested measures to prevent and mitigate the impacts arising from the alternative were to disseminate information to the public clearly and comprehensively both the benefits and negative effects in the short and long term, and to create the overall environmental management plan for the district.