Navigating Thailand's Environmental Framework

Under the Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality Act B.E. 2535 and subsequent ministerial notifications, projects in 35 designated categories — including large hotels, industrial estates, dams, power plants, and certain urban development projects — require an approved EIA or IEE before permits can be issued. Project thresholds and applicable categories are updated periodically by the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy (ONEP). We assess which requirements apply to your specific project type and scale before any formal submission.

The timeline varies considerably by project category, complexity, and the extent of ONEP review panel queries. A straightforward IEE for a smaller project may take six to twelve months from scoping to approval. Full EIA processes for large developments can extend to 18 months or longer, particularly where significant public participation requirements apply or where the expert panel requests supplementary studies. Realistic timeline planning from the outset helps prevent delays downstream.

Regulatory authorities may issue compliance orders, administrative fines, or — in serious cases — suspend or revoke operating licenses. The Factory Act provides for both civil and criminal penalties for certain violations. Early engagement with authorities is often the most constructive approach: demonstrating corrective action willingness and presenting a credible remediation schedule can meaningfully influence outcomes. Our role in these situations focuses on presenting your position clearly and helping structure a compliance improvement plan that regulators can accept.

Yes. We work with Thai and foreign-invested businesses operating across various sectors. Our team is experienced in explaining Thai regulatory requirements in English and coordinating with international legal counsel where cross-border compliance considerations arise. We are familiar with the specific documentation and procedural expectations applicable to BOI-promoted entities and joint ventures.

Our fees are set out as fixed-scope engagements for defined services, as shown on our Solutions page. For EIA Support the engagement begins at ฿9,000; Pollution Control & Waste Compliance is priced from ฿21,000; and Environmental Litigation & Enforcement Defense begins at ฿36,500. For matters of greater scope or complexity, we discuss an appropriate fee arrangement at the outset so there are no surprises as work progresses.

All information shared with Ananda Pact is treated in strict confidence in accordance with our professional obligations and Thailand's Personal Data Protection Act B.E. 2562 (PDPA). We do not share client information with third parties without prior consent, except where required by law or a court order. Our data handling practices are described in full in our Privacy Policy.