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Thailand- Social and Environmental Impacts

© Robin Greenhalgh

Spanning one corner of the Earth to the other, we can witness similar environmental issues in varying degrees of seriousness. Sadly though, each area is greatly influenced by their social and economic limitations. This contributes to their ability or inability to change. Social change in many of these impoverished areas would allow them to step back, and consider the implications of their actions. So here begins a journey across the world identifying the ethics (social, environmental, moral), which may or may not impede sustainable living.

We have a responsibility to ourselves to secure a healthy future. This not only includes the health of our environment, but an alleviation of social issues. Social issues often result in poor land use and illegal extraction.

Our first stopover lands us in Thailand, a tropical paradise located in southeastern Asia…

The tranquil beauty of Thailand was not very well known until the last decade or so, except to the native Thai people. The filming of a couple successful Hollywood movies boosted public awareness dramatically. Virtually unknown to the rest of the world though, is the high price paid for this type of promotional hype. In many of these developing countries, environmental health takes a back seat to war, poverty, politics, and seldom receives more than a passing consideration. Generally, revenue is the top priority for these economically challenged countries.

Air pollution is of serious concern in Thailand. As well, it contributes to the infamous reputation of Bangkok. Congestion and pollution are two very well known characteristics of this city. Up until recently, little has been done to reduce emissions from the use of inefficient motorbikes and buses. Second only to the air pollution, is the poor quality water supplies. Lax enforcement of illegal logging and poaching is also cause for concern. In the country’s defense, social issues must take precedence over sustainable living. At the top of this list would be just plain living.

Contrary to some poverty stricken countries, literacy is not an issue in Thailand. Although this has done little to reduce the high mortality rates as a result of AIDS. Their total population is estimated at 61,230,874 people. Even with the devastation of HIV, their live expectancy remains at approximately sixty-nine years of age.

According to the “World Resources Fact Book, 2000”, Thailand is divided up as follows: “total area 514,000 sq km, 511,770 sq km being land, 2,230 sq km being water, and 3,219 sq km being coastline. Land-use is further broken down as: arable land 34%, permanent crops 6%, permanent pastures 2%, forests and woodlands 26%, other 32%, and total area irrigated is 47,490 sq km.

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