• 
• 

Published on December 29, 2007

Deputy permanent secretary Damri Sukothanang said the ministry had a short-term goal to develop "eco-towns" in two industrial estates in 2012 and in another eight estates by 2017.

The project aims to encourage manufacturers to use all resources with the highest efficiency and to operate in an environmentally friendly process.

"This eco-town concept comes from Japan," Damri said. "Japan has shown its environmental concern by announcing a zero-emission policy in its industrial estates. I believe this concept can be applied in Thailand under regulations and technologies that meet international standards."

The plants in an area announced to become an eco-town must release less waste and emit lower pollution than the criteria of laws and regulations. They will also be encouraged to use more recycled and reused materials.

The Primary Industries and Mines Department has studied the issue and suggested that Ayutthaya's Uthai district be used as the eco-town pilot project, he said. This area has accommodated plants in the electronics and electrical appliances industries.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet has appointed Monta Pranootnorapal as the new governor of the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT), effective next Wednesday.

Monta has worked at the IEAT for 18 years. Her last position was deputy governor (Industrial Ports) and her main responsibility was to manage the ports in the Map Ta Phut complex, comprising the industrial estates of Map Ta Phut, Phadaeng, RIL, Asia and Eastern.

Chalida Ekvitthayavechnukul, The Nation