Research Article Open Access

Evaluating Public Participation Process in Development Projects in Thailand: A Case Study of the Hin Krut Power Plant Project

Chutarat Chompunth1 and Suphattharachai Chomphan2
  • 1 School of Social and Environmental Development, National Institute of Development Administration, 118 M.3, Serithai Road, Klong-Chan, Bangkapi, Bangkok, 10240, Thailand
  • 2 Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering at Si Racha, Kasetsart University, 199 M.6, Tungsukhla, Si Racha, Chonburi, 20230, Thailand

Abstract

Problem statement: Public participation has become a vital element of environmental decision-making. Although public participation has grown tremendously in Thailand due to a rising pressure from the public, this practice often fails to solve environmental problems and conflicts. There is a keen for a systematic evaluation of the public participation process to investigate whether the participation process is effective and what works or does not work in this respect. Approach: This study evaluates the effectiveness of the public participation process of the Hin Krut power plant project through an evaluation model developed from relevant literatures. Results: It was found that the public participation process of the case study was not completely effective when tested against the evaluation criteria. The affected people had no chance to present any comments at the very beginning. The public participation process started too late, after a decision had been made and conflicts among stakeholders already occurred. Conclusion: The public participation process is not yet properly established in the Thai context. There is an urgent need to find a working model and conditions of public participation which can assist in resolving environmental problems. Finally, a set of recommendations for improving public participation process are suggested.

American Journal of Applied Sciences
Volume 9 No. 6, 2012, 865-873

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3844/ajassp.2012.865.873

Submitted On: 27 January 2012 Published On: 16 March 2012

How to Cite: Chompunth, C. & Chomphan, S. (2012). Evaluating Public Participation Process in Development Projects in Thailand: A Case Study of the Hin Krut Power Plant Project. American Journal of Applied Sciences, 9(6), 865-873. https://doi.org/10.3844/ajassp.2012.865.873

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Keywords

  • Public participation
  • environmental decision-making process
  • conflict
  • power plant