Industrial projects in Map Ta Phut not categorised as activities harmful to the environment are expected to resume their operations within two weeks following the clarification of their status on Monday, the Industry Ministry said.
As the good news lifted the investment outlook, Bank of Thailand Assistant Governor Paiboon Kittisrikangwan said yesterday the Map Ta Phut ruling would be discussed at the Monetary Policy Committee meeting on October 28. This may lead to a revision in the 2010 economic forecast, which is now 6.5-7.5 per cent.
Industry vice minister Puttipong Punnakan yesterday said the ministry would convene a meeting with operators of the 76 projects in Map Ta Phut on Monday to explain the Central Administrative Court's verdict on September 2. After that, companies which believe that their projects are not in the 11 harmful activities on the list can submit the documents to the state bodies that grant their operating licences to seek approval for resuming operations.
The Office of Natural Resources and Environment Policy and Planning is ready to assist in the categorisation.
The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) and the Department of Industrial Works are the state bodies under the Industry Ministry that grant the operating licences. Puttipong said that as of now, only two projects were considered harmful. But the exact number should be known in two weeks.
"The state agencies will have to consider whether the projects submitted to their organisation qualify to be released. So, the number of the projects whose licences will be revoked may be more than just two companies. We will know within two weeks," he said.
He said that after the Central Administrative Court's verdict, many foreign investors such as from Japan had contacted the Industry Ministry seeking details. They expressed higher confidence with the clarity of rules.
Meanwhile, there will be a road show by the Industry Ministry and the Board of Investment in Japan from September 14-18. The delegation will explain the issue to Japanese investors, who comprise the biggest foreign investment group in Thailand.
"The court's verdict has made the picture for investment in Thailand clearer. This will benefit the Thai economy. When we talk with foreign investors, we now have clear answers about the legal framework on investments. As a result, it will boost foreign investors' confidence to invest in our country," he said.
Puttipong said the Industry Ministry would monitor manufacturing plants nationwide, especially those which were granted operating licences before 2007, whether their operations harm the environment.
The court's ruling, however, agitated villagers in Map Ta Phut. They will convene a meeting tomorrow to discuss the issue. Suthi Atchasai, leader of the People's Network of the East, said that this month, he would also organise a convention there. Villagers nationwide suffering from industrial development will be invited to support the proposed amendments in the National Environment Board's list of 11 harmful activities.