Thailand to Be Developed into a Green Society

(11/09/2012)

Thailand will be developed into a “green society” under the framework of the 11th National Economic and Social Development Plan, 2012-2016. The future of Thailand as a green society was a topic of discussion by all sectors of society at the annual meeting of the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board. The meeting took place recently at the IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center in Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi province, to brainstorm various ideas in order to set directions for going green.The Secretary-General of the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board, Mr. Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, pointed out that many social, economic, and environmental problems arise from impacts of changes in nature and the environment. For instance, carbon dioxide emissions in all parts of the world remain at a high level because of inefficient energy use. Increasing waste is seen in almost all steps of production in both industrial plants and households, while access to natural resources remains a problem. So the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board has come up with the idea of moving toward a greener world for use as guidelines for implementing the five-year 11th National Economic and Social Development Plan. The plan focuses on management of natural resources and the environment toward sustainability. In order to maintain balances within the ecosystem, emphasis will be placed on managing natural resources and the environment through a shift of the development paradigm and participation by local communities. Under this approach, various issues will be addressed, including creating a low-carbon society, preparing for climate change and natural disasters, and ensuring consistency between trade practices and environmental protection. According to the 11th National Economic and Social Development Plan, Thailand will promote a peaceful society with quality growth and sustainability. In dealing with rapid changes and complicated and unpredictable environmental events, a set of development strategies will be formulated for better risk management and to create a firm foundation for development. In addition, the quality of human capital will be developed through better access to resources and fair distribution of development benefits. In order to create and utilize economic opportunities, knowledge, technology, and creativity are crucial factors for environmentally friendly production and consumption, thus leading to sustainable development. The Thai government sees the need for going green in order for the people to live in a caring and sharing society, in a safe and sound environment. In this way, production processes will be environmentally sound and food and energy resources will be secure.