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This includes Bt100 billion worth of projects by PTT and the Siam Cement Group (SCG).

Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) chairman Prasarn Tanprasert yesterday said it was unclear if, after Map Ta Phut was designated a pollution-control area, the IEAT could issue licences to new plants in the industrial estates. He urged Industry Minister Charnchai Chairungrueng to get an answer from the National Environment board, which convenes on March 16.

He said new investment projects slated for the area were valued at Bt100 billion: Bt70 billion from PTT and Bt30 billion from SCG.

"They've proceeded with some of their investment plans without clarification of the validity of their EIAs, and the criteria governing new projects are also unclear. The IEAT has received a number of questions from investors, but what we can say now is there will be a unit that handles this matter," Prasarn said.

Yesterday, a meeting was held between the IEAT, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), the Board of Trade and some business operators. They discussed how to reconcile communities' and the industrial sector's demands after the Rayong Administrative Court ordered the designation of Map Ta Phut as a pollution-control area within 60 days from last Tuesday.

The Joint Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking will also discuss the issue on Monday. It is prepared to ask the government to delay the designation and set up a national committee to find a solution that all parties could endorse.

IEAT governor Monta Pranootnorapal said five industrial estates were located in the areas subject to the court ruling, covering 138 business operators. Nearly half are in Map Ta Phut. On these five estates, about 400 rai of land is available for new projects. No company has shown any interest in buying, due to the economic situation. Meanwhile, PTT and SCG have reserved 1,100 rai but not yet expedited their investment plans.

"We're waiting for clearer rules to be specified by the local government. The rules could be different, like specifications of larger green areas at all plants," she said.

If Map Ta Phut does become subject to pollution control, the National Environment Board will remain responsible for environmental standards.

However, maximum pollution levels will be determined by the governor, not by the board or the Industry Ministry. A pollution-management plan will be completed by the municipality and governor, not by the Pollution Control Board, and the municipality and the governor will have a say in the waste-management system, not the IEAT or the Pollution Control Department.

The Natural Resource and Environment Ministry will also be responsible for several other areas.

FTI vice chairman Payungsak Chartsutipol said his organisation's members were greatly concerned about the order affecting investor confidence and Thailand's investment image. He also noted the private sector had worked hard to implement measures to counter pollution problems agreed upon with the local communities and the national government in 2007. He said the measures should help Map Ta Phut accommodate more industrial investment.

Business operators agreed to invest a combined Bt21 billion through 73 projects, to be implemented from 2007-11.