Oceanus.

v. 36, no. 3 (1993

'Sustainable development' : law, the environment and water resources in modern Thailand

The overall purpose of this thesis is to examine problems concerning implementation of the concept of sustainable development in the area of water resources using Thailand as a case study of a developing country. The aims and objectives of the thesis are to provide an analysis of water case studies focusing on fieldwork undertaken in different regions in Thailand, an analysis of the legal system; and strategies for environmental protection; considered in the context of rapid economic expansion. The thesis begins with an examination of the foundation and background of Thailand's legal system, its economic development and its environment. Particular emphasis is given in the thesis to water resources. Water is a specific medium to judge pollution standards as a whole. Pollution for land and air often eventually makes it way into water system. Water regulation and pollution control is an example of environmental regulation as a whole. This is followed by an analysis and evaluation of the legal framework of environmental law. The aim is to examine the evolution of the legal protection of the environment in Thailand as well as to analyse the existing contradictions between the country's legal order and its actual environmental problems. The dynamics of the country's political process are then considered. Finally, the question of how the concept of sustainable development might assist in the application of environmental protection to water resources in Thailand is examined, using disputes over water allocation and water pollution. The case studies are drawn from different regions in Thailand. In Thailand there has certainly been more environmental awareness in recent years, but the implementation of sustainable development strategies remains at an early stage, despite, the Rio conference in 1992 and Rio II in 1997 emphasising the conservation of natural resources. The concept of sustainable development is also incorporated in the new Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality Act 1992 (the 1992 Act), despite to a limited extent, some principles for sustainable development such as the precautionary principle, the PPP, EIA, right of access to environmental information and public participation. In Thailand primary legislation is in place but water resources regulations are required. Thailand is on a slow learning curve in its strategies for protecting the environment. In the thesis, case studies at a local level have been undertaken and through these case studies, it is clear that sustainable development concept is not fully integrated and accepted as a way to solve water problems at a local level. This indicates a failure of western concepts and their adaptation in developing countries such as Thailand. However, traditional approaches may be used to improve and promote sustainable development concepts together with Agenda 21, western approaches and experiences, which is called "The Mixed Approach". Thailand is in the advantageous position of being able to learn from the mistakes and environmental failures of the developed countries with respect to water resources policy. At the very least, it must acknowledge that environmental problems cannot be fundamentally solved without addressing them at the time of economic development. Still further, Thailand must not adopt the model of western environmental protection laws without first ensuring that the new reforms are suitable for the needs of the Thai economy and people

Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on ASEAN (IC-ASEAN) "Towards a better ASEAN", September 5-6, 2019; Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia

Since the establishment of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) as a regional organization in 1967, it has played a significant role most importantly related to regional affairs and has also given notable contribution to the international arena. Undisputedly, ASEAN has been successfully fostering good relations among its members since its foundation. After completing the first period of its vision of an integrated regional community (ASEAN Community 2015), ASEAN is now preparing for the launch of ASEAN Community Vision 2025, supported by ASEAN Connectivity 2025. As a study center focusing primarily and solely on ASEAN, in collaboration with the Directorate General of ASEAN Cooperation, Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Center of ASEAN Studies Andalas University, will be hosting the International Conference on ASEAN (IC-ASEAN) as a platform to evaluate past actions, to discuss present issues, and to provide an outlook for the future of ASEAN. Aims and Scope The International Conference on ASEAN (IC-ASEAN) is a multidisciplinary conference which covers a broad range of area. The sub theme will be divided into two large categories focusing on ASEAN Community 2015 and 2025 also ASEAN Connectivity 2025. The sub theme related to ASEAN Community will cover issues related to the three pillars (Political-security Community, Economic Community and Social-cultural Community). Meanwhile the ASEAN Connectivity sub theme will include issues within the key areas (Physical Connectivity, Institutional Connectivity and People-to-people Connectivity

Sustainable Value Co-Creation in Welfare Service Ecosystems : Transforming temporary collaboration projects into permanent resource integration

The aim of this paper is to discuss the unexploited forces of user-orientation and shared responsibility to promote sustainable value co-creation during service innovation projects in welfare service ecosystems. The framework is based on the theoretical field of public service logic (PSL) and our thesis is that service innovation seriously requires a user-oriented approach, and that such an approach enables resource integration based on the service-user’s needs and lifeworld. In our findings, we identify prerequisites and opportunities of collaborative service innovation projects in order to transform these projects into sustainable resource integration once they have ended

Ecotourism in theory and practice : a critical case study of Northern Thailand

This study aims to determine whether ecotourism as currently practices in Northern Thailand conforms to international principles of ecotourism or contributes to sustainability. To achieve the objectives of the study, the methodologies adopted for data collection were: semi-structured interviews and focus groups with local residents and other stakeholders; participant observation; and self-completion visitor surveys. The study first established criteria to assess and evaluate the situation and potential of tourism in the case study communities. Three case studies of Huai Hee in Mae Hong Son province, Umphang in Tak province and Mae Ta Man in Chiang Mai province were investigated to demonstrate the potential and explore the possible merit of ecotourism development in northern Thailand. The selected case studies offer different ownerships, perspectives and approaches of tourism management and operations. The case studies share in common the fact that tourist activities are taking place in the remote areas and operated in a natural environment. The findings revealed that tourism in Northern Thailand was determined as being unsustainable because it does not manifest the core elements of sustainability and does not meet the criteria of international principles of ecotourism. In practice, 'ecotourism' is interpreted and used differently by stakeholders. Both individual ecotourism enterprises and the overall concepts and principles of ecotourism are continually beset by large-scale interests seeking to divert or co-opt them for different purposes. For example, it is used as a means of: marketing strategy to promote ~ourism products; community development and management and conservation of natural resources; and negotiation with the government about land property rights and to mitigate the conflicts between the government and the local people. Ecotourism contributes to local income generation and distribution whilst having potentially impacts on natural resources, culture and society of the host destinations. The study also revealed a lack of educational provision, public participation and cooperation amongst stakeholders in tourism development processes. To achieve sustainability of tourism, the study suggests in addition to unity and clarity of ecotourism definition, a partnership management approach, between the local community, public sector and private tourism entrepreneurs