Water Pollution Management under Legal Perspective: A Case Study of Western Songkhla Lake Basin Area

Abstract

Water pollution is the important problems affecting society, especially
in Phattalung where most residents, as farmers, have been working and
consuming water for their careers. In this study, there are three core objectives.
First, it is to survey and analyze problems of water pollution. Second, it is to
survey and analyze the causes of water pollution. Lastly, it is to survey and
analyze the responsibility of samples when the water pollution occurs. This
study was conducted by quantitative and qualitative methods. The information
and statistics were firstly surveyed by a use of a questionnaire. It was followed
by an analysis under the laws, legal perspectives and related legal documents.
The study reveals that, first, there is water pollution existing in the
studied areas. It has mainly been the results of garbage disposal, waste water
released by aquaculture businesses and farming. Fortunately, the water
problem does not cause much violence in the communities. Second, the
majority is aware of the importance of water pollution existence, and when
it happens, it will be informed to the local governments, subdistrict
administrative organizations and municipalities, as well as to the village
headmen and the subdistrict headmen. Third, in consideration of majority, it
Parichart Journal
Thaksin University
244
shows that the solution on water pollution issue is to use negotiation and
community justice, whereas the enforcement of law and punishment are
not the best suit for this problem. Fourth, the local governments, subdistrict
administrative organizations and municipalities in the studied areas are
holding responsibility when water pollution occurs. Fifth, the majority does
not perceive about the Enhancement and Conservation of the National
Environmental Quality Act B.E.2535. Lastly, the solutions for this problem
are that the residents should be educated about the pollution and the
pollution should be observed by the government officers.
Based on the study, there are suggestions that (1) the accountable
organizations on water pollution and dispute issues such as subdistrict
administrative organization and municipality should collaborate with the
village headmen and the subdistrict headmen in order to resolve the
problems quickly and effectively, (2) the communities should be educated
in legal aspects that govern on issues relating to water pollution, and (3)
the communities should be encouraged to participate in the management
of water pollution.