Clarity to lighten up Map Ta Phut | Bangkok Post: business

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Clarity to lighten up Map Ta Phut

All parties holding breath for ruling Thursday

All eyes are on the Central Administrative Court Thursday as it makes its final ruling on the fate of suspended industrial projects in Map Ta Phut, with high hopes that the outcome will lift investors' confidence and increase investments the country.

Industry Minister Chaiwuti Bannawat said that clarity about projects in the giant industrial estate in Rayong could help push new investment applications to 500 billion baht this year as targeted by the Board of Investment (BoI).The court is scheduled to rule whether the 76 suspended projects in Map Ta Phut can proceed after the National Environmental Board (NEB) last Monday approved a list of 11 harmful activities that would be subject to extra regulation.The NEB, chaired by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, shortened the list from 18 activities proposed by the four-party panel head by former prime minister Anand Panyarachun."About 500 billion baht has remained our target. Since the list of [harmful] activities has become clear, there is an opportunity for us to reach 500 billion as projected," Mr Chaiwuti said Wednesday.The minister, however, noted that there were still some concerns in capital-intensive industries such as petrochemicals and steel, in terms of location and the need to conduct environmental and health impact assessments (EIA and HIA). (continued) Whatever the outcome, the ruling should bode well for the investment atmosphere and the country overall, observers say. It will set a precedent and serve as a guideline for future projects - a dealmaker or dealbreaker for investors now sitting on the fence. (Reuters photo) BoI secretary-general Atchaka Sibunruang said the agency was confident that applications would reach a project value of 500 billion baht."There are a number of projects worth tens of billions of baht waiting for approval for BoI investment privileges," she said."Foreign investment has been on the rise, partly due to the recent clarity about the Map Ta Phut issues and the economic recovery."The private sector, including the energy giant PTT, is also optimistic about the ruling on their suspended projects and future investments."After those projects are clear of the list of 11 harmful activities, we have growing hopes that they will be able...

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Writer: NANCHANOK WONGSAMUTH and NAREERAT WIRIYAPONG

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  • bystander

    Discussion 4 : 02/09/2010 at 09:16 AM4

    This report appear to point more toward the gain of more investment if the court rule in favor of granting these "toxic related companies" to go ahead, rather than how this government position itself on matter of public health concern. So do we expect a fund to be set up for toxic related cancer by these companies or the government?

  • Me2

    Discussion 3 : 02/09/2010 at 08:43 AM3

    Seems to be too much focus on MapTaPhut. What about the PTT/Bangchak Petroleum Refinery right in the middle of Bangkok that just keeps growing and growing with more flare stacks then ever.

    Yesterday there was a huge flare from one of the stacks with thick black smoke. Many schools, hospitals, houses, condos are right next door. If one of those super tanks ever blew or ruptured the fire ball or spill would be catastrophic in such a densely populated area.

  • Claire Lim

    Discussion 2 : 02/09/2010 at 05:36 AM2

    Even though very slow, this is the second time Abhisit government has done something right (the first right thing was free education). If these so-called environmentalists really care, they should ask the government to cut taxes on hybrid vehicles. If there is any severe pollution, that's not in Map Ta Phut but in Bangkok. Waiting for the court to free the suspended projects so that Thailand can move forward same as the neighboring countries which are luring the investors to dump Thailand and move to their territories.

  • Somboon

    Discussion 1 : 01/09/2010 at 10:55 PM1

    See, I told you Industry Minister Chaiwut Bannawat has been pulling all stops on the Map Ta Phut after Abhisit appointed him.

    Abhisit and his father are sitting on Board of Directors of the industries should not surprise anyone. Former PM Anand came up with "List of 18 harmful activities," but Abhisit toned it down to 11.

    By the time enforcement comes around the list is "none"

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