UNEP/SCS/National Report 6 - Thailand National Report of Thailand on the Formulation of a Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis and Preliminary Framework of a Strategic Action Programme for the South China Sea THAILAND National Report for the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis and Preliminary Framework of a Strategic Action Programme for the South China Sea Prepared by Office of Environmental Policy and Planning Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment Kingdom of Thailand January 1999 (With funding from GEF through UNEP EAS/RCU) Contributing Institutions and Individuals Babtie BMT (Thailand) Company Limited Mr Yossiri Promchuakaew Chulalongkorn University Faculty of Economics Associate Professor Dr Charit Tingsbhat Dr M.L. Suthawan Sathirathai Faculty of Science Associate Professor Dr Padermsak Jarayabhan Assistant Professor Dr Suraphol Sudara Assistant Professor Dr Charoen Nitithamyong Dr Anond Snidvongs Ms Aporn Pophongwiwat Ms Waleerat Musigasung Social Research Institute Dr Narumon Hinshiranan Environmental Research Institute Mr Pitee Krasinsri Department of Environmental Quality Prmotion Ms. Savitree Srisuk Department of Fisheries Fishery Economic Division Mr Pongpat Boonchuwong Foreign Fisheries Affairs Division Mr Prasit Kongpornprattana Aquatic Animal Natural Resource Museum Institute Dr Chavalit Vittayanond Mr Bumrungsak Chatananwet Ms Montira Piumtipanus Phuket Marine Biological Center Ms Kanjana Adulyanukosol Marine Shrimp Research and Development Institute Mr. Siri Tookwinas Ms Sarocha Roonsiri Ms Chutima Chomwilai Marine Fisheries Division Mr. Somsak Chulasorn Mr. Rangsan Chayakul Department of Industrial Works Ms Yajai Kachornworawatanakul Department of Mineral Resources Environmental Division Mr Anu Kalprawit Ground Water Division Ms Oranuj Lorphensri Mineral Fuels Division Mr Narong Bangtamai Mr Somchai Pum-im Mr Vichai Taranajesda i Envi Concept Co, Ltd Federation of Thai Industry Dr. Pisamai Iansakulrat Mr Pongsatorn Arthornturasook Harbour Department Coastal Dredging and Maintenance Division Mr Kanoksak Hirunthananontha Waterways Transport Inspection Division Mr Chairat Rungsopsang Survey and Mapping Division Dr Pramot Sojisuporn Industrial Standard Office Ms Sowanee Sevananit Mr Samneang Putto Land Development Department Mr. Kamron Saifak Mahidol University Dr. Suvalak Nateekarnchanalarp Meteorological Department Meteorological Observation Division Mr Boonthum Tanglumlead Climatology Division Mrs Wanida Sooksuwan Mrs Sudaporn Nimma MIDAS Agronomics Co. Ltd. Mr Buntoon Srethasirote Naval Operations Department Captain Buncherd Sriphraram RTN Cmdr Talergsak Sirisawat RTN Office of Environmental Policy and Planning Natural Resources and Environmental Management Division Dr Sirikul Bunpapong Mr Narong Veeravaidhaya Mr Ramate Sukpum Environmental Impact Evaluation Division Mr Peerapon Dechachart Mr Theera Junpet The Environmental Fund Office Mrs Nisanat Sathirakul Ms Orawan Danaibuthr Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board Technology and Environmental Planning Division Ms Charunee Saksirisampan Ms Chuleeporn Bunyamalik iiii Pollution Control Department Water Quality Management Division Dr Pornsook Chongprasith Mr Watana Sukasem Dr Vithet Srinetr Mr Akaluk Yenpiem Ms Atcharawadee Sattayapanich Mr Chaiwat Prakirake Ms Kingdao Intarukdach Ms Pimon Watanamahart Mr Suwatchai Supatanaset Mr Sittichai Srimechai Legal and Complain Division Port Authority of Thailand Dredging Division Mr Sugris Isorkul Provincial Water Works Authority Mr Somkiat Kiriyakakul Royal Forestry Department Mr Chalernsak Chotimas Royal Irrigation Department Mr Thongchai Chuchartpong Mr Pipop Chantanawarangkul Mr Sakpinit Padungkit South East Asia Global Change System for Analysis Research and Training Regional Center Mr Wirote Laongmanee Thailand Institute of Marine Affair Development Admiral Thanom Charoenlarp RTN Ms Ankana Siriwiwatananond Dr. Chumporn Pachusanond The Office of the National Water Resource Committee Legal Subdivision Mr Phiphat Gunjanaphurk Tourism Authority of Thailand Ms. Yuwadee Nirattrakul The Wildlife Fund Thailand Mr Somchai Mahagullayanakul Walailak University Department of Biology Assistant Professor Dr Pitiwong Tantichodok iiiiii CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................................................1 1.1 AIM OF THE REPORT...........................................................................................................................................1 1.2 MAJOR WATR-RELATED ENVIRONMENT PROBLEMS.........................................................................1 1.3 COUNTRY BACKGROUND................................................................................................................................1 1.4 GEOGRAPHIC DIVISIONS USED IN THE ANALYSIS...............................................................................3 2.0 DETAILED ANALYS IS OF MAJOR WATER-RELATED CONCERNS AND PRINCIPAL ISSUES ........................................................................................................................................................................4 2.1 POLLUTION.............................................................................................................................................................4 2.1.1 Sources of pollution .........................................................................................................................................4 2.1.2 Pollution hot spots ...........................................................................................................................................8 2.1.3 Sensitive and high risk areas..........................................................................................................................8 2.2 FRESHWATER SHORTAGE AND DEGRADATION OF ITS QUALITY..................................................9 2.2.1 Surface water ....................................................................................................................................................9 2.2.2 Groundwater.................................................................................................................................................. 18 2.3 EXPLOITATION OF LIVING AQAUTIC RESOURCES ............................................................................20 2.3.1 Living freshwater resources ........................................................................................................................ 20 2.3.2 Living marine resources............................................................................................................................... 21 2.4 MODIFICATION OF AQUATIC HABITATS ................................................................................................24 2.4.1 Freshwater habitats ...................................................................................................................................... 24 2.4.2 Marine habitats.............................................................................................................................................. 26 3.0 ANALYSIS OF THE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC COSTS OF THE IDENTIFIED WATER- RELATED PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES ........................................................................... 39 3.1 WATER USES ..........................................................................................................................................................39 3.2 FISHERIES RESOURCES ...................................................................................................................................40 3.3 INDUSTRIAL WASTE.........................................................................................................................................40 4.0 ANALYSIS THE ROOT CAUSES OF THE IDENTIFIED WATER-RELATED ISSUES ........... 41 5.0 CONSTRAINTS TO ACTION.......................................................................................................................... 48 5.1 PERSONNEL CONSTRAINTS...........................................................................................................................48 5.1.1 Shortage of qualified personnel in government offices........................................................................... 48 5.1.2 Hiring foreign experts in environmental projects.................................................................................... 48 5.2 INSTITUTIONAL CONSTRAINTS..................................................................................................................48 5.2.1 Centralized government system exerts top-down approach................................................................... 48 5.2.2 Lack of public involvement in decision-making on mega projects ...................................................... 49 5.2.3 Lack of cooperation among government offices and between government offices and non- governmental organizations........................................................................................................................ 49 5.2.4 Lack of reliable data and versatile information on environmental conditions................................... 50 5.2.5 Overemphasis on certain industries for the sake of incoming money and development .................. 50 5.2.6 Policy makers insensitive to socio-economic dynamism......................................................................... 50 5.3 LEGAL CONSTRAINTS: