The government of Thailand has focused on the social and economic development of the country for the past 35 years. However, since Thailand introduced the Seventh Economic and Social Development Plan (1992-1996),[1] protecting the environment has become one of the top priorities of the Thai government. The Seventh Economic and Social Development Plan seeks to achieve sustainable growth and stability, especially in the petrochemical, engineering, electronics, and basic industries.[2]
Thailand's dramatic economic growth has brought forth environmental challenges to the once-agrarian economy. The country presently faces problems with air and water pollution, declining wildlife populations, deforestation, soil erosion, water scarcity, and hazardous waste issues. According to the 2004 indicator, cost of air and water pollution for the country scales up to approximately 1.6-2.6% of GDP per year.[3] As such, Thailand's economic growth has come at great cost in damage to its people and environment.