COMPENDIUM OF SUMMARIES OF JUDICIAL DECISIONS IN ENVIRONMENT RELATED CASES

Appendix- Part B

ENVIRONMENT RELATED EXTRACTS FROM THE CONSTITUTIONS OF OTHER ASIAN COUNTRIES

THAILAND

Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, 1997

Article 56

Individuals are guaranteed the right to cooperate with state and local communities to conserve and benefit from natural resources and bio-diversities; and to protect, promote and maintain the quality of the environment so that the communities may continue to live in an environment which is not hazardous or threatening as provided by the law.

Any activity or project which can seriously affect the quality of the environment is prohibited unless an environmental study and evaluation is undertaken. The study must receive endorsement from independent agencies, which include representatives from environmental non-governmental organizations and university academics, as provided by the law.

Individuals are guaranteed the right to file lawsuits against government agencies, state enterprises, local administrative organizations and other organizations to require them to not violate the first and second paragraphs.