Written at SFSU, 2021
The BLCP Power Plant in Map Ta Phut, Thailand is the first large-scale bituminous coal-fired power plant in Thailand and is one of many power plants and factories in the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate [1]. This industrial development has negatively impacted the physical and sociological health of the surrounding communities due to poor infrastructure. This energy site demonstrates environmental classism and the inequality faced by low-income communities across Thailand.
Industrialization
Lack of access to public services and information has affected the livelihoods of low-income and physically vulnerable residents. Industrialization has limited access to water supply, healthcare and even education especially for those who are already at a disadvantage [2]. Environmental impacts are disproportionately harming those who cannot afford the cost of health screenings, transportation, and utilities as a result [3]. Though locals have voiced their concerns, authorities and company leaders have often been unresponsive or slow [4]. Residents worry that the negative impacts brought on by power production operations are affecting their daily lives, and that companies are not prepared to take responsibility for their actions [5].
The History and Background
The BLCP Power Plant is operated by the Japanese company Mitsubishi Corporation, and the most influential decision makers of the project are wealthy businessmen from Japan [6]. Consequently, there is a disconnection between the residents of Map Ta Phut who are affected by these issues, and those who make decisions about them regardless of their experience.
The village of Map Ta Phut was industrialized as a part of Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard Development Plan (ESDP) in a “growth decentralization” effort. The Gulf of Thailand’s natural resources have catapulted Thailand’s energy industry and transformed their economy [7]. However, Map Ta Phut is considered an energy sacrifice zone, residents must involuntarily take on the harmful impacts of energy production for the “greater good” of supporting Thailand’s developing economy [8]. Though the country’s industrialization was intended for economic expansion, this effort only benefits the government organizations and the leading company members as the government has failed to address environmental pollution control [9].
Contamination and Health Impacts
Exposure to pollutants caused by waste disposal from the factories has threatened public health. Clean water supply is a major environmental justice issue caused by pollution, and many villages are exposed to contaminants when they do not have access to a clean and safe water source. The public has expressed disapproval of the government’s lack of aid provided to those who suffer as a result [10]. Contaminants have been found in their water, yet companies continue to limit the information that is released on watery safety and pollutant information available to the public [11].
Contaminants include [12][13] :
- Arsenic
- Mercury
- Cadium
- Zinc
- Chromium
- Lead
Exposure to such pollutants has been linked to human health issues [14]. Without access to data, residents’ are not made aware of what substances they may be coming in contact with. The injustice occurs not only when they suffer from the impacts, but also when they are being denied access to information . Companies like BLCP Power continue to limit the information on water safety and pollutant information that is available to the public despite being responsible for the pollution themselves. The presence of the power plant is impacting the health and livelihoods of residents, and without transparency about petrochemical factories’ operations, the government is not able to adequately support the concerns of the community [15].
Social Impacts
The negative health effects brought on by BLCP Power Plant’s operations and environmental hazards have contributed to psychological and social tensions for Map Ta Phut residents. The village is burdened with fear about explosions, accidents, their health, and the wellbeing of their community. Without transparency and access to resources, residents fear for their local economy and culture [16]. The public has lost their trust for the government, as their needs have not been managed or taken seriously.
The exploitation of natural resources at BLCP and the greater Map Ta Phut are only harming village communities. The government has prioritized industrial operations as more important than the needs of civilians. These projects are marketed to the public as a positive way to create jobs and improve the economy, but the environmental damage and the wellbeing of residents are not being acknowledged.
References
[1] Asada, E., Honda, K., Kouhara, I., Watanabe, T., & Kawashima, H. (2007, Dec). Design and Construction Overview of the Biggest Coal Fired Power Plant in Thailand (BLCP Power Plant). Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Retrieved from http://www.mhi.co.jp/technology/review/pdf/e444/e444009.pdf
[2] Viwatpanich, K. (2012). “Suffering from Industrial Estate Development A Case Study in Map Ta Phut, Thailand.”Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319622168_Suffering_from_Industrial_Estate_Development_A_Case_Study_in_Map_Ta_Phut_Thailand
[3] Viwatpanich, K. (2012). “Suffering from Industrial Estate Development A Case Study in Map Ta Phut, Thailand.”Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319622168_Suffering_from_Industrial_Estate_Development_A_Case_Study_in_Map_Ta_Phut_Thailand
[4] Viwatpanich, K. (2012). “Suffering from Industrial Estate Development A Case Study in Map Ta Phut, Thailand.”Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319622168_Suffering_from_Industrial_Estate_Development_A_Case_Study_in_Map_Ta_Phut_Thailand
[5] Chompunth, C. (2019). “Environmental Governance in Power Plant Project: A Case Study from Thailand.” Retrieved from https://www.dpublication.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/63-7073.pdf”>https://www.dpublication.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/63-7073.pdf
[6] Asada, E., Honda, K., Kouhara, I., Watanabe, T., & Kawashima, H. (2007, Dec). Design and Construction Overview of the Biggest Coal Fired Power Plant in Thailand (BLCP Power Plant). Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Retrieved from http://www.mhi.co.jp/technology/review/pdf/e444/e444009.pdf
[7] Aung, Z. (2016). “Transnational Investments and Responsibility for Social Justice and Environmental Justice.”Dawei Development Association. Retrieved from https://earthrights.org/wp-content/uploads/Transnational-Investments-and-Responsibility-for-Social-and-Environmental-Justice.pdf
[8] Fuller, T. (2009). In Industrial Thailand, Health and Business Concerns Collide. The New York Times. Retrieved April 1, 2021 from https://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/19/world/asia/19thai.html
[9] Aung, Z. (2016). “Transnational Investments and Responsibility for Social Justice and Environmental Justice.”Dawei Development Association. Retrieved from https://earthrights.org/wp-content/uploads/Transnational-Investments-and-Responsibility-for-Social-and-Environmental-Justice.pdf
[10] Viwatpanich, K. (2012). “Suffering from Industrial Estate Development A Case Study in Map Ta Phut, Thailand.” Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319622168_Suffering_from_Industrial_Estate_Development_A_Case_Study_in_Map_Ta_Phut_Thailand
[11] Excell, C. (2017). In Thailand, Unmet Transparency Laws Impede Poor Communities’ Struggle for Environmental Justice. Retrieved from https://www.wri.org/insights/thailand-unmet-transparency-laws-impede-poor-communities-struggle-environmental-justice
[12] Corben, R. (2017). Thai Local Communities Want Their Say in Fighting Pollution. Voice of America. Retrieved May 1,2021 from https://www.voanews.com/east-asia-pacific/thai-local-communities-want-their-say-fighting-pollution
[13] Rangkadilok, N., Siripriwon, P., Nookabkaew, S., Suriyo, T., & Satayavivad, J. (2014). Arsenic, Cadmium, and Manganese Levels in Shellfish from Map Ta Phut, an Industrial Area in Thailand, and the Potential Toxic Effects on Human Cells. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. Retrieved from https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00244-014-0054-2
[14] Rangkadilok, N., Siripriwon, P., Nookabkaew, S., Suriyo, T., & Satayavivad, J. (2014). Arsenic, Cadmium, and Manganese Levels in Shellfish from Map Ta Phut, an Industrial Area in Thailand, and the Potential Toxic Effects on Human Cells. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. Retrieved from https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00244-014-0054-2
[15] Excell, C. (2017). In Thailand, Unmet Transparency Laws Impede Poor Communities’ Struggle for Environmental Justice. Retrieved from https://www.wri.org/insights/thailand-unmet-transparency-laws-impede-poor-communities-struggle-environmental-justice
[16] Viwatpanich, K. (2012). “Suffering from Industrial Estate Development A Case Study in Map Ta Phut, Thailand.”Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319622168_Suffering_from_Industrial_Estate_Development_A_Case_Study_in_Map_Ta_Phut_Thailand
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