Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate is an important manufacturing base in Thailand, particularly for the production of steel and for the refining and production of petrochemical products. As Thailand is the leader for petro...Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate is an important manufacturing base in Thailand, particularly for the production of steel and for the refining and production of petrochemical products. As Thailand is the leader for petrochemical and refining businesses within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations （ASEAN）, from upstream to intermediate and downstream manufacturing units, Map Ta Phut also plays a major role in chemical and energy development in the region. Not only has Map Ta Phut become a unique and modem industrial complex, which continues to expand rapidly, but it also exemplifies Thailand＇s effort to develop a comprehensive heavy industrial zone. Although industrial expansion has helped to create employment, income, and prosperity for some local communities in the coastal Rayong province, it has also created concern about inequity between areas with fast developing industries and surrounding communities. These concerns eventually led to widespread protests by locals and non-governmental organizations. Despite the adherence by companies to all environmental regulations, especially the environmental impact assessment, and their proactive participation in many activities to improve the province＇s standard of living and quality of life, public concerns have not decreased, Hence, companies must rethink and reposition their pursuit of technological development. They also need to achieve harmony so that industry can coexist with communities and be friendly to the environment as a whole. Astute large companies recognize that achieving a fine balance among the three aspects of life： economy, social, and ecology can be part of a new industrial development strategy.展开更多
文摘Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate is an important manufacturing base in Thailand, particularly for the production of steel and for the refining and production of petrochemical products. As Thailand is the leader for petrochemical and refining businesses within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations （ASEAN）, from upstream to intermediate and downstream manufacturing units, Map Ta Phut also plays a major role in chemical and energy development in the region. Not only has Map Ta Phut become a unique and modem industrial complex, which continues to expand rapidly, but it also exemplifies Thailand＇s effort to develop a comprehensive heavy industrial zone. Although industrial expansion has helped to create employment, income, and prosperity for some local communities in the coastal Rayong province, it has also created concern about inequity between areas with fast developing industries and surrounding communities. These concerns eventually led to widespread protests by locals and non-governmental organizations. Despite the adherence by companies to all environmental regulations, especially the environmental impact assessment, and their proactive participation in many activities to improve the province＇s standard of living and quality of life, public concerns have not decreased, Hence, companies must rethink and reposition their pursuit of technological development. They also need to achieve harmony so that industry can coexist with communities and be friendly to the environment as a whole. Astute large companies recognize that achieving a fine balance among the three aspects of life： economy, social, and ecology can be part of a new industrial development strategy.
