Water quality labelled 'poor'

BANGKOK: -- The quality of water in Thailand was generally poor last year due to the release of more untreated wastewater into the country's waterways. According to Adisak Thongkhaimuk, deputy director-general of the Pollution Control Department, the overall water quality in the country in 2005 was 32% worse than in the previous year mainly because of the untreated wastewater.

Pollution had also worsened along the sea coast, he said, especially along the eastern shoreline of the Gulf of Thailand off Chon Buri. This was believed to have been caused by grease-tainted water being emptied into the sea from fishing piers, Mr Adisak said.

Last year also saw the emerging threat from hazardous electronic waste, as well as discarded batteries and fluorescent lamps, he said.

Mr Adisak said industrialisation sharply increased the amount of garbage and Thailand was still ill-equipped to deal with it.

However, he said, there was less air pollution last year. Noise pollution also did not increase partly due to the environmental campaigns.

--Bangkok Post 2006-01-03

Regarding batteries, it's time for the government to set up a system, for people to return used/dead ones, for recycling.

The private sector is fine for recycling glass or metal or plastic, where they can make a profit along the collection-chain, so this is already happening - but toxic-waste like batteries will always be a problem.

Here is a genuine opportunity for Thailand to set a good example & lead the way.

Water quality labelled 'poor'

However, he said, there was less air pollution last year. Noise pollution also did not increase partly due to the environmental campaigns.

--Bangkok Post 2006-01-03

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

He obviously hasn't been to Chiangmai.

I've been doing a little research on diesel engine fumes, and so far it seems this problem, the diesel smoke, is caused by lack of tuning, clean air filters etc., rather than the engine being worn out. This makes it all the more doable to get this problem under control, it just takes political will.

It's a disgrace...there should be a campaign and the cops should have pollution checks rather like the helmet checks, except not accepting bribes....instead of disappearing all day long.

By the way what do the police do between morning and evening rush hour?

I put whisky in my water, it kills the germs.

That article will do nicely for a discussion with my students