Map Ta Phut residents oppose appeal

The protesters aim to give  information on the adverse impact Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate and its industrial development is having on the quality of life and wellbeing of residents, said Sutthi Atchasai, a coordinator for the villagers.

The Rayong Administrative Court on March 3 declared Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate a pollutioncontrol area, which requires strict enforcement of environment measures and toxic control solutions.

The Court gave NEB a 30 day period to decide on whether to appeal the court's verdict or not.

Local residents, claiming to be affected by pollution released from Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate, are hoping the ruling will improve their quality of environment and wellbeing.

A 53 yearold banana gardener, Sanga Sukrung who will join today's protest said he wants the NEB not to appeal the court's verdict.

He said NEB should comply with the declaration and strictly control the expansion of Ban Chang Industrial zone where factories have encroached on his banana garden and released waste water into his land, destroying all banana production in his garden.

Meanwhile, the Ban ChangMap Ta Phut tourism and environmental promotion association's president, Sutha Hemasathol said in a petition to NEB that he opposed the declaration because it would destroy the atmosphere for tourists in Rayong province.