2. TRENDS IN THE DEVELOPMENT PROCES

2. TRENDS IN THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS AND THEIR IMPACT ON NATURAL RESOURCES AND THE ENVIRONMENT IN THAILAND
Thailand enjoyed double-digit growth between the period 1988 to 1990. During the past three decades, economic growth has exceeded 4% (except during the economic crisis) (Phongpaichit and Baker, 2000). Per capita income increased from 8,725 Baht in 1961 to 51,065 Baht in 2002 (NESDB, 1961; 2002). However, the development process in achieving this affluence has not come without high costs. Apart from the social impact and income disparity problems, there is also the problem of natural resources and environmental degradation