In a public forum on the Map Ta Phut project in Rayong province, Deputy PM Korbsak Sabhavasu promised three infrastructure projects to the villagers yesterday.
Korbsak chairs a government committee overseeing measures to solve environmental problems.
The government is pledging Bt872 million, with Bt270 million allocated for a garbage-disposal project, Bt307 million for a waterworks project, and the remainder on improving public health services and measures to control contamination.
Meanwhile, a Japanese institute is going to do tests on the hair of a 59-year-old woman, whose death is being blamed upon acid rain and contamination from toxic substances produced by factories in the area.
Surin Khomhong, a long-time resident and a key witness to many illegal waste-treatment operations, died recently of a skin disease.
Korbsak said he would submit an urgent request for the money he has promised to the villagers at the next Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. A large number of villagers, NGO representatives, national and local politicians as well as members from relevant government agencies attended the session with Korbsak.