Public Participation in Environmental Health Impact Assessment:

A Case Study of Development Laemchabang Port Phase 3

Abstract

The objective of this article to study Public Participation in Environmental Health Impact Assessment : a case study of development Laemchabang Port phase 3. The research used qualitative methods with in-depth interviews and observation with samples of Stakeholders and study of Government agencies and Company related documents. The results of the evaluation of the public participation in the project revealed that the project was located in importance in terms of economy and marine biodiversity. Despite the existing laws, legal practice loopholes have prevented the true success of public participation. The obstacles also include the information provided to the people, which may be inadequate for their ability to make decisions; the information is offered solely by the project and without clarity, causing public confusion. The problems of the process implementation were caused by the limitations of the law, project owner and people in the area. The methods for enabling the success of transparency regarding the project’s execution included; welcoming of public participation from the beginning of the project so that the genuine needs of the local people can be heard; and the educational empowerment of the people. It is also suggested that the people should be open-minded and objectively welcome information regarding both the advantages and disadvantages of the project.