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Published on January 23, 2008

The parks will be called Botanic Park and Phu-mirak Garden and will cover about 1,000 rai in the estate, which has been at the centre of controversy over industrial pollution.

"We want to express our strong determination to improve the environment in industrial estates through these two projects," IEAT governor Monta Pranootnorapal said.

Manufacturers will be allowed to construct office buildings in Botanic Park, while Phumirak Garden will be developed as a green area in which workers and their families can enjoy leisure activities.

Industrial plants will not be allowed in these areas, she said.

The authority has yet to create the two eco-parks and is looking for private companies willing to invest in their establishment.

IEAT has also decided to expand the capacity of the Map Ta Phut port to handle liquid goods from 5 million tonnes to 7 million tonnes per year.

It will spend Bt300 million to Bt400 million on the scheme.

Chalida Ekvitthayavechnukul

The Nation