Environmental Impact Assessment is one of the environmental management
tool used in project decision making. It is applied especially to some activities under
the Ministerial Mandate. The main objectives of EIA in Thailand, as in other countries,
is to prevent environmental problems from major development project in order to
reach to sustainable development goal.
The first mandatory notification for EIA requirement was issued in 1981.
Presently, under Section 46 of the Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental
Quality Act 1992. The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment with the approval
of National Environment Board (NEB), has the power to notify the type and size of
projects or activities requiring EIA.
For large scale projects which will cause significant impacts, the EIA reports
must be submitted to the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and
Planning (ONEP) to be considered and give recommendations to permitting agencies or
cabinet. EIA reports have to be prepared by a consulting firm which is registered by ONEP.
Environmental Impact Evaluation Bureau, Office of Natural Resources and
Environmental Policy and Planning prepares guidance for the general public, namely
“Environmental Impact Assessment in Thailand”.
This guidance will be useful for the general public and government agencies to
understand the law, regulations, guidelines for Environmental Impact Assessment
in Thailand.