BANGKOK, 5 September 2012 – The weekly Cabinet meeting has agreed in principle with the proposed enforcement of stricter regulations to rein in the problem of water pollution caused by local and foreign sea freights.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Pakdehan Himathongkom said on Tuesday that the Cabinet has approved the draft law on civil charges against entities and individuals responsible for water pollution, which is planned to be enforced throughout Thailand and its maritime territory as well as its exclusive economic zones.
Under the draft law, Thai ships with capacity of more than 2,000 tons must declare a document, which indicates its insurance coverage or financial collaterals to guarantee their responsibilities for any damage they might have caused.
Mr. Pakdehan stated that the conditions set in the draft law will require foreign ships, which may lack the guarantee document from the Marine Department but need to pass through Thai waters, to acquire similar documents from related authorities in order to proceed.
The Deputy Government Spokesperson went on to say that, if the law is passed, any ship that is found violating the codes, its captain and owner will be subject to a maximum fine of 2 million baht while the ship will now be held at Thai port until all conditions are met.
