70% of Map Ta Phut projects hopeful to move on

CHON BURI, 28 March 2010 (NNT) – 70% of the frozen projects in the Map Ta Phut industrial estate are hoped to resume operation by the end of this year after completion of both environmental and health impact assessments (EIA and HIA).

Speaking in a seminar on the balanced industrial development, Vice Minister for Industry, Sorayut Phettrakul, stated that owners of 49 projects ordered suspension by the Central Administrative Court had started taking steps stipulated by Section 67 of the constitution. He said at least 70% of the frozen projects would have their process completed within this year.

The vice minister said no approval from the Administrative Court would be needed for the resumption of operation if all processes were conducted following the constitution. He added that the Ministry of Industry would issue a license for project owners after being considered by the national environmental committee.

Mr Sorayut stated that the Ministry of Industry would follow up on outcome of the list of projects with negative effects to communities. He said the ministry would seek a court order for the continuation of the projects if they were not included in the list.