ONEP Secretary General Unveils EIA Policy Focused on Accuracy, Speed, and Efficiency

The Secretary General of the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP) unveiled an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) policy centered on three core principles: accuracy, speed, efficiency, transparency, and accountability on May 19 at ONEP headquarters. Secretary General Bannaruek Seermtong received the policy directive from Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin and Deputy Permanent Secretary Dr. Raviwan Phuridej to distribute the policy to the EIA System Development Division and the EIA Assessment Division, with over 120 staff members participating.

Secretary General Bannaruek emphasized that the EIA process is fundamental to establishing environmental protection and mitigation measures through public participation, involving multiple stakeholders including affected communities, report preparers, expert committees, relevant agencies at national and local levels, private environmental organizations, NGOs, educational institutions, independent academics, media, and the public. He therefore requested all staff to conduct their work under the principles of "accuracy, speed, and efficiency."

"Accuracy" means assessments comply with academic standards and law, areas where ONEP has consistently received praise for technical rigor and maintains high public confidence levels in its EIA process. "Speed" refers to efficient operations following established procedures; ONEP currently completes assessments in approximately 80 days, faster than legally required. Both divisions have developed guidelines and manuals for report preparation and review, as well as related guides for public use. "Efficiency" encompasses the quality of EIA reports based on academic standards, implementation of measures, and the provision of online and on-site EIA clinics, along with the Smart EIA Plus system, which enhances operational effectiveness and transparency.

Secretary General Bannaruek stressed the importance of transparency and accountability at every stage of the EIA process, urging all staff and stakeholders to communicate regularly about EIA missions and performance results to build organizational credibility and public understanding. Those witnessing misconduct or inappropriate behavior by ONEP staff or EIA system participants can report directly to the Secretary General at 0 2265 6502 or [email protected], or through the complaint system at https://e-petition.onep.go.th/. Updates on EIA system operations can be tracked at http://eiathailand.onep.go.th/