Thailand- Social and Environmental Impacts

The terrain and climate conditions are diverse and support a wide variation of plant and wildlife species. Thailand possesses a fair variety of natural resources, and is one of the top producers of tungsten in the world. Unfortunately their wildlife and natural resources are at great risk, as the preservation and recovery funds have been cut drastically.

As in other parts of Asia, Thailand’s economy suffered a downward spiral during the latter parts of the 90’s. Poor economy has such a devastating impact on a country at many levels. In many cases, it is the environment around them that suffers the most. Usually the environment is what offers a temporary source of revenue, such as export of resources, tourism, hunting, conversion of land for agriculture and so on. Mostly the income is so necessary, that the damage inflicted is often overlooked or justified fiercely. It has been said that money is the root of many evils, and this is just one example. If food, clothing and housing is scarce, how could a person be expected to worry about the wetlands around them? Especially, if that wetland once drained could be used for agriculture.

Agriculture in Thailand is very important to their economy. Export of rice, rubber, corn, sugarcane and soybeans provides locals with employment and income. Massive industrial expansion along with agricultural run-off has contributed greatly to environmental decline. Sewage and hazardous waste issues existed prior and have only been compounded with the growing industrial sector.

Con't...part two entered tomorrow’….

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