8. Natural Resources and Environmental Policy
The Government has the policy to restore the conditions and quality of natural resources and bio-diversity, to prevent degradation and depletion of natural resources, and to recycle and reuse the natural resources and bio- diversity in a manner that is beneficial to the people's livelihood. National development must be well balanced and provide a basis for the sustainable economic and social development of the country. Towards this end, the following policies will be pursued:
(1) Manage the environment, natural resources and bio-diversity in an integrated manner by upholding the principles of good governance and popular participation by the people and the local community.
(2) Promote and encourage participation by the people and the community in waste control and waste disposal, both of which affect the health, welfare and quality of life of the people.
(3) Support the notion of taking social costs into consideration when conducting project evaluations of repercussions on the environment and natural resources. In managing the environment and natural resources, the Government supports the principle that whoever causes pollution shall also bear the costs as well as the system of joint rights.
(4) Promote technological research and development with a view to increasing Thailand's capacity to manage, conserve and restore the environment. Support the beneficial use of natural resources from all sources, including the recycling of waste and other used materials.
(5) Set national environmental standards that are suitable for and compatible with Thailand's level of development in the scientific, economic and social spheres. At the same time, such standards should be in tandem with international environmental standards dealing with international trade.
(6) Set standards for controlling the importation of chemical, toxic and hazardous substances in accordance with the international standards set by developed countries with a view to preventing Thailand from becoming a test site or commercial site for hazardous substances and materials that are sub-standard.