This paper examines EIS development in Thailand.
Thailand is a newly industrialised country, typical of other developing countries.First,
the paper discusses the nature of the Thai economic and political systems.
Four case studies are explored to examine how EIS are developed and to explore the influence of the economic and political environment on EIS development.
Only one of the four systems examined can be considered an unqualified success.
The factors behind EIS success and failure in a developing country are discussed.
The paper concludes by suggesting that to develop an EIS successfully in a developing country and evolutionary approach with strong user participation should be followed.
It is also suggested that outsourcing EIS development to foreign consultants is unlikely to be successful.