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.