Bangkok: As Thailand approaches another election cycle, the focus is largely on populist policies such as debt relief and economic stimulus. Yet, for Professor Sonthi Kochawat, an eminent environmental scholar, the spotlight should be on the often-neglected environmental policies that are fundamental to the quality of life of the populace.
According to Thai News Agency, Professor Sonthi insists that environmental issues should be a cornerstone in the political agenda, akin to the four pillars emphasized in developed countries: economy, society, quality of life, and the environment. Historically, Thailand has placed environmental concerns on the back burner, leading to persistent issues such as illicit industrial waste disposal, the PM 2.5 air pollution crisis, and transboundary pollution. For Professor Sonthi, any political party that lacks a clear stance on environmental issues is essentially disregarding the basic right to clean air.
Professor Sonthi advocates for revisiting and reinforcing pending environmental legislation that was stalled due to parliamentary dissolution. These include the Clean Air Act, designed to tackle the PM 2.5 issue with a "polluter pays" principle, and a revamped Factory Act to eliminate "grey capital" and increase penalties for non-compliance. He also calls for the revocation of NCPO Order No. 4/2016 to ensure proper urban planning.
The scholar highlights the necessity of the Pollutant Emissions Reporting and Disclosure (PRTR) law, which would allow the public to access information on pollutants emitted by nearby factories. This measure aims to prevent incidents similar to the Mingdi factory explosion and mitigate the health risks associated with long-term pollutant exposure.
Professor Sonthi further emphasizes the gap between Thailand's global commitments, such as achieving a Net Zero economy by 2050, and the lack of progress in domestic legislation. He advocates for comprehensive plans to manage natural disasters and suggests that political parties should engage in discussions on clean and renewable energy, including the potential of small-scale nuclear power plants to reduce fossil fuel dependency.
Moreover, he cautions against policies that prioritize campaign promises over environmental sustainability, such as converting reformed land into title deeds without considering the impact on forest areas.
Professor Sonthi urges voters to scrutinize the environmental platforms of political candidates, stressing that effective policies require clear and actionable strategies. Ignoring these concerns could perpetuate ongoing pollution and natural disasters, affecting future generations.