David Taylor

Abstract

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Over the past three decades, Thailand has undergone profound social, economic, and environmental changes. Many of these changes have been positive, but they've come at a high cost. A booming agricultural export market has demanded the overuse of pesticides and widespread deforestation. Often, in the pressure for profits, farmer safety gets left behind. Thailand's water resources are also sorely taxed ; fisheries have been overexploited, while rapid industrial and urban growth has led to extreme water pollution. And the air is filled with lead and particulate matter thanks to automobile exhaust and construction projects that proceed without the use of effective air pollution controls. The country is still learning how to deal with the recent phenomenon of occupational disease. In addition, sexually transmitted diseases (particularly AIDS) and drug addiction are serious problems among the Thai.

The Thai government has recently changed its approach to environmental management. The passage of the 1992 Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality Act established new mechanisms for the protection of the environment. Public participation in these protection efforts is encouraged with the use of incentives and punishments.