Environmentalists have called for the immediate suspension of the gold and potash mining industry which they say poses a serious threat to people's health and the environment.
Speaking at seminar titled "Looking Forward to Future of Thai Mining Resources", organised by the Geological Society of Thailand (GST) on Friday, the society's ex-chairman Prinya Nutalaya said he disagreed with the government's policy of promoting the gold and potash mining industry in the country as it is doing more harm than good.
Mr Prinya said the country has only received a small amount of money from mining concession fees but the industry is posing a serious threat to the environment and the health of local people living near mining sites.
Mr Prinya cited the controversial case of Akara Mining Resources Co Ltd which owns a gold mining field in Phichit province as an example.
He said the company and local villagers have been in conflict as the villagers claimed that the gold-extraction operations there posed a threat to their health and environment; therefore, they must be suspended.
"The gold ore is under our motherland. Why do we let this company reap all benefits? All the gold ore is exported," Mr Prinya said.
"What we have left is only a small amount of money from the concession fees. The mining firm should be closed as its operations have posed many problems to the local community."
Akara Mining Resources could not be reached for comment.
Sasin Chalermlarp, chairman of the Sueb Nakhasathien Foundation, said the government should make a clear decision whether to continue or suspend mining projects that have caused major problems for local people and their communities.
However, he said it is not the right time for the country to implement a policy to promote the gold and potash mining industry.
Mr Sasin said he used to be on a mining subcommittee of the National Human Rights Commission and received complaints from local people affected by gold and potash mining operations.