The Impact of Legislation Related to the Biodiversity of Mangroves Located in Thailand

Abstract

The objectives of this research are to: 1) study the effects of existing laws on mangrove biodiversity in Thailand and 2) prepare suggestions on improving the relevant laws for relevant government agencies. The researcher used the qualitative research method and collected data by studying legislations regarding mangrove forests from different types of references including documents, textbooks, judgements and academic articles as well as interviews with local people. Research findings were that there is no law directly stipulating the protection of mangrove forest use. However, relevant laws that could probably be enforced were the National Reserved Forest Act B.E. 2507 (1964) which defines invasion as occupying, possessing, utilizing or residing in any area without permission from officials and any person in violation shall be subject to imprisonment and fine; and the Promotion of Marine and Coastal Resources Management Act B.E. 2558 (2015) in which Section 18 and Section 19 stipulate protection measures for mangrove forest areas. However, after hearing the opinions of local people, most of them thought that the problem wasn't caused by an existing or non-existing law, but caused by law enforcement. They thought that the discretion to allow occupancy of reserved mangrove forests was improper and did not take into consideration the community's interest. They also thought that directly responsible agencies did not seriously play their roles and local administrative organizations were the only organizations that took care of local people.

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Author Information
Phasai Samart, Rajamangala University of Technology Rattanakosin, Thailand
Pimuk Suseensamphan, Rajamangala University of Technology Rattanakosin, Thailand
Natthakaran ์Thammaratsunthon, Rajamangala University of Technology Rattanakosin, Thailand

• Category: ACSS2018

Posted by James Alexander Gordon

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