Bangkok: A Thammasat University academic has voiced concerns that Thailand is unprepared to enter the rare earth mineral production supply chain due to insufficient legislation, control measures, and technological expertise. The academic argued that the interim government should not grant concessions to other countries and should wait for the next government to achieve public consensus.
According to Thai News Agency, Associate Professor Dr. Jaruprapa Rakphong, a lecturer at the Faculty of Law, Thammasat University, highlighted issues surrounding the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on rare earth minerals cooperation between Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and US President Donald Trump on October 26, 2015. Dr. Jaruprapa expressed that Thailand lacks the necessary legislation, technology, and processes to safely engage in the rare earth mineral industry, which poses environmental risks similar to the coal industry.
The academic pointed out that the current interim government is not suited to grant concessions for rare earth production or mining to other countries. Dr. Jaruprapa suggested that Thailand should first establish a legal framework to regulate the industry, which requires parliamentary debate and approval. She emphasized that an elected government with public support would be more appropriate for handling such concessions.
Dr. Jaruprapa proposed that the government should focus on preparatory actions, such as conducting studies, drafting legislation, and identifying control measures to mitigate environmental impacts. She also recommended formal surveys of mineral areas within the legal framework, without causing pollution, and encouraged the transfer of technology and knowledge from countries like the United States.
Furthermore, the academic noted that the MOU on rare earth cooperation with the United States is not legally binding. She suggested that Thailand should remain open to cooperation with other countries, such as the European Union or China, to evaluate the most attractive offers. An appealing offer might include environmental protection measures or superior technological know-how. Pursuing diverse partnerships could enhance Thailand’s international image and demonstrate a balanced trade approach.
Dr. Jaruprapa also stressed the importance of improving traceability laws to prevent pollution from illegal rare earth mines in neighboring countries, which currently affect Thailand’s Kok River. She advocated for the immediate halt of imports from polluting mines and urged the government to address this ongoing issue promptly.