Cabinet approves EIA/HIA framework

Bangkok Post 29 December 2009

The cabinet has approved the revised ministerial regulations on the framework for industrial project environmental impact (EIA) and health impact (HIA) assessments and the public hearing process as proposed by the National Environment Board, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Tuesday.

Mr Abhisit expected the changes would be promulgated in the Royal Gazette tomorrow.

The cabinet assigned the relevant ministries to invite operators of the 64 stalled industrial investment projects in Rayong's Map Ta Phut industrial estate to a briefing on the new rules to create a clear understanding on the new requirements, he said.

Approval of the new EIA and HIA framework is expected to ease the industrial impasse caused by the Administrative Court's Sept 29 iinjunction suspending the operating permits of 76 industrial projects. Twelve projects have since been cleared of the injunction.