7. Conclusion
It can be concluded that rapid population growth and industrialization have brought about resource degradation and a decline in environmental quality. Untreated waste water discharged directly and indirectly to the waterways are the most serious problems of the country. Eutrophication of coastal waters is an emerging problem. By contrast, few problems have been documented from trace metals discharged by industries, and public health threat from seafood contamination does not appear to be significant. Oil pollution has not been a problem, although occasional spills fromoil tankers have been recorded and fears of a major spill exist. Although many efforts have been undertaken to solve the degradation of marine habitats, problems of habitat degradation are still an important issue to be addressed. The problem is agreeing a sustainable management plan for natural coastal resources conservation and utilization. Thailand has implemented a program on marine pollution control during the past three decades. Such a program includes basically four components i.e., 1. Baseline and monitoring studies, 2. Water quality criteria establishment, 3. Identification of sources, pathways and quantity of pollutants and 4. Pollution control, abatement, rehabilitation. So far Thailand has implemented such a program, but certain components need to be emphasized.