PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PRACTICE WITHIN THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH IMPACT ASSESSMENT SYSTEM IN THAILAND

Abstract

The integration of public participation in Environmental and Health Impact Assessment (EHIA) is very significant in terms of its implication for sound decision-making and the sustainability of development activities. In this regard, the Thai EHIA system provides public participation in an implementation of mega development projects. This participation is carried out through a number of techniques, particularly a holding of public hearings. In public hearings within the Thai EHIA context, shareholders are brought together in a meeting to express their concerns and propose recommendations on a planned project in order to direct the decision-making process. Repeatedly, public hearing practice leads to violent conflict among stakeholders. This study is intended to state the significance of public participation in the Thai EHIA system and to evaluate the current practice of public hearing as participation practice in development of a coal-fired power station. The Krabi coal-fired power plant project was examined as the case study. The study discovered that the requests for public hearing as public participation practice in the EHIA system have been stimulated curiously by Thai laws and regulations. Thus, Thai citizens request meaningful participation in the decision-making processes concerning controversial issues. The suggestions for the development of a successful participatory process of project development must include the consideration by the government in having transparency in operations and listening to public opinion since the beginning of the process, in order to be informed of the real needs of people in affected area, and enhancing the capacity of the community academically.