Thai communities battling to end toxic industrial pollution will receive boost

On the occasion of World Environment Day, social and environmental justice advocates from Arnika and Ecological Alert and Recovery – Thailand (EARTH) announce the launching of a fund to support Thai communities organizing in response to the toxic contamination of the air, water, and land. Financial backing for the small grants facility amounting to a total of €22,500 (almost 800 000 THB) will be provided by the European Union.

Across Thailand, people face environmental challenges linked to industrial pollution. In many cases, the emissions exceed international standards and cause serious health damage. According to environmentalists, the communities that are affected have already expressed interest in organizing their own activities but often face financial obstacles.

“At present, local communities are victims of industrial promotion policies, especially with the growth of uncontrolled harmful facilities. Meanwhile, the environmental and health governance measures have been substantially diminished by the revision and deregulation of the environmental laws that are issued. Local community based organisations strive to improve the living conditions of residents in these areas. The small grants, supported by international organisations such as the EU, enable communities to increase their monitoring capacity and, most importantly, build bargaining power. With this strength, they can take matters into their own hands, changing the lives of our people,” stated Akarapon Teebthaisong of EARTH.

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