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Published on February 18, 2008

At least 20 petrochemical and energy projects were pending environment impact assessment (EIA), as they were all planned for Map Ta Phut, a polluted town in Rayong province.

Heard from the street was that former industry minister Kosit Panpiemras was very cautious on approvals, apparently afraid that public resentment in the area would increase further. Don't forget that Kosit is over 70 and the veteran economist pays attention to every detail.

A highly placed source said that as chairman of the National Environment Board - in charge of EIA approvals - Kosit refused to endorse 19 of the projects because in the same file was one failing to pass the EIA criteria.

The file was resubmitted containing only the 19 approved projects, but Kosit still refused to sign, saying something else was now irregular. The file in the first place contained 20 projects, he said, so why was one now missing?

It seems that it is more than just a rumour that the Surayud government was slow.

Governments in many countries must envy the government of China. It seems no matter what policies it announces, Beijing has no problems in making it happen.

Just look at the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River. Though the relocation of more than 1.5 million people was involved, the project continues, being touted as the biggest undertaken in China since the Great Wall or the Grand Canal.

Another big project is coming up.

Xinhua news agency reported that Beijing is embarking on a policy to improve the air quality ahead of the Olympics. This requires the shutdown of about 10 per cent of Beijing's petrol stations over the next few months. Of the 1,442 petrol stations in Beijing, 144 will close by the end of May because they will not be able to meet higher environmental standards.

The petrol station clean-up is part of a huge campaign to improve the environment in Beijing, one of the world's most polluted capital cities, ahead of the arrival of thousands of visitors in August. International Olympic Committee chief Jacques Rogge warned last year that some events could be postponed if the air pollution were too severe.

Chinese authorities have also begun closing down factories, while many cars will be ordered to stay off the roads during the Games.

Do you think these policies would ever be implemented if they were planned for Bangkok?

achara_d@nationgroup.com

The Nation