PM meets Map Ta Phut parties; New committee to resolve dispute

BANGKOK, Oct 30 (TNA) – A meeting between the Thai prime minister and representatives of local residents in Rayong province agreed to set up a central committee to settle the problem of environmental degradation, toxic contamination and applications and interpretations of the law at Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate, where 76 industrial projects were ordered to halt operations temporarily by the Administrative Court.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva met Sutthi Atchasai, coordinator of the Eastern Peoples’ Network, and senators Somchai Sawaengkarn and Prasarn Marukpitak Friday morning to discuss the Map Ta Phut dispute.

Mr Sutthi said that he asked the prime minister to more quickly speed up resolving the problems related to the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate.

The participants agreed to set up the new committee, consisting of residents, academics, legal experts, the media, and the private and government sectors. The committee will consider the draft amendment of the environmental law and will propose to agencies concerned to cope with controversial industrial projects.

The timeframe for dealing with the issue was set at 90 days and all 11 committee members are expected to be selected within the coming week. The prime minister assigned Deputy Prime Minister Korbsak Sabhavasu to visit Map Ta Phut every two weeks and to help patients affected by pollution from the industrial estate.

The draft amendment of the environment law was prompted by court order to suspend 76 industrial projects in the Map Ta Phut industrial zone amid continued concern over critical environmental and health impacts.

The Office of the Attorney-General early this month appealed the ruling, and asked the Supreme Administrative Court to revoke the injunction putting the 76 industrial projects on temporary hold.

The Eastern Peoples’ Network and local residents on Thursday submitted a letter to the United Nations (UN) to inform the international community that the Thai government had not complied with the court order to suspend 76 industrial projects.

The group also prepared documents to petition the administrative court to oppose the government’s appeal. The court is due to hear the case on Monday. (TNA)