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.