<Note 7> Mr. Thanu Polbhun, ประชาชน posted พ.ร.บ.พัฒนาที่ดิน (2551). This legislation places more onus on farmers to care for their agricultural lands. But sadly, no explicit onus is placed on industrial lands (and rubbish dumping lands) nor urban development (housing) lands. Landcare responsibility is for all -- not just sectors of Thais.

Comments in above blog is presented here:

There are issues of land development that are not addressed in this legislation. In particular, issues relating to "land filling" (การถมที่) which blocks or alter or affect (natural) waterways and water drainage. Land filling (for permanent buildings) often cause flooding and damages to neighbouring lands and properties but there is no recognition of liabilities or compensations. This is hardly a fair and just legislation.

Controlled land filling can help in water drainage and management of flood areas. Proper controls of land filling can reduce flooding and damages caused by flooding. (See section ๑๔(๓) for a general statement that may cover 'land filling'.)

For every land filling, there should be equal in volume of drainage path or area created to compensate the drainage effects of that landfill.

The particular amendment to "Land Development Legislation 2551" emphasizes chemical contamination to "agricultural land" in use. The legislation fails to include any manner of contamination in "industrial land" which should include 'rubbish dumps' (land filling with wastes/contaminants) which may become sources of environmental risks for communities and wild lives for very long time.

Let call for amendments to this land development law and proper enforcement for public safety.