New controversy at Independent Commission on Environment and Health

[webfact]

New controversy at Independent Commission on Environment and Health

BANGKOK: -- A new controversy emerged at the charter-mandated Independent Commission on Environment and Health when the vice chairman of the commission called a meeting today (Monday) to elect a new secretary-general behind the back of the chairman who was absent.

The commission’s vice chairman, Mr Suraphol Duangkhae, endorsed the election of Mr Panchai Wananuvechpong as the new secretary-general in the absence of Professor Piamsak Manasawet who was, at the time of the commission’s meeting, on duty at Chulalongkorn University.

Professor Piamsak later told the press that he learned about Suraphol’s appointment of the new secretary-general but doubted the vice chairman’s authority, citing the commission’s charter which clearly stipulates that only the chairman has the right to endorse the appointment.

He admitted that he used to tell commission members to just approach potential candidates for the secretary-general’s post and that he must be present when the commission is to pick the new secretary-general.

However, he said he had lodged his objection against the appointment and, at the same time, would ask the Department of Environment Quality Promotion whether the appointment was legitimate or not.

Professor Piamsak insisted that he had no personal conflict with any members of the commission. However, he admitted that there were internal conflicts and some commissioners had overstepped their authority.

He outlined the four main tasks of the commission which include: give opinions on projects which have impacts on environment and health; encourage the public and private sector to participate in the management of the environment; support study on impacts on environment and health; and recommends the government to curtail projects which have environmental impacts.

The professor went on saying that he might call it quits from the commission after the referendum on August 7.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/new-controversy-independent-commission-environment-health/

-- Thai PBS 2016-08-02

[eliotness]

I thought the government had removed the need for an EIA for selected projects.  If that really is the case then the power of this commission has been neutered.