A decade

A DECADE OF LABOUR ABUSE IN THAILAND
(Whin - Winter 1996/97)

Thailand has been facing enormous health problems, related to the presence of all types of pollutants in both outdoor and indoor environments, especially in the working environment of people employed in various hazardous industries. In the past 10 years, Thai people have suffered from many tragedies that have effected both their environment and health. Some of these are:

Arsenic poisoning or black fever - 1986
Disease prevalence of 7-10 per cent. Cases continue to be recorded as efforts have not been made to control it. Arsenic contamination is linked to mining in the southern part of Thailand.

Chronic lead poisoning - 1986
Recorded among children exposed to lead and other metal fumes, from 20 foundries, situated around their school in Bangkok. Disease prevalence of lO per cent. Severe adverse health effects recorded, include a decrease in IQ and anaemia.

Pesticide poisoning
Recorded among agricultural workers, consumers of farm products and workers in factories dealing with pesticides. Serious health problem throughout Thailand.
Traffic pollutant related chronic lead poisoning - l990 Recorded among traffic police in Bangkok.

Chemical disaster -1991
Occurred at a warehouse storing chemical substances in Klongtei Harbour, Bangkok. People died, both as a result of the traumatic effects of the incident and from chemical poisoning.
At present, many of the persons that were exposed to the fire, are still suffering from illness for which no known cause has been identified. The authorities have chosen to ignore the health problems of this group and settled that they are of a normal nature. Efforts have not been made to investigate the matter and set up appropriate surveillance.

Mystery deaths - Since 1993
  More than 13 cases reported among workers and people exposed to environmental chemical pollutants in the Northern Industrial Estate of Thailand, Lumpoon.
  Illnesses due to unknown causes have been reported. Required disease investigations were not conducted.
  Besides the above, many other cases have been reported of environmental and occupational diseases and problems, related to the inappropriate management of resources in industries.
  A case in point, is the effect on the people and the environment of pollutants from petrochemical industries, in the Eastern Seaboard Industrial Area, Rayong.
  Last year, near a petrochemical factory in Rayong, an epidemic of an illness for which no known cause could be identified, was reported.
  These problems have been brought to the notice of the public with the aim of making known the adverse effects of industrial development on the quality of life.
  Sincere efforts need to be made in Thailand to reduce the harmful effects of industrialistation.

Environmental & Occupational
Diseases and Related Health
Problems in Thailand: 1994

Dr Orapun Metadilogkul
Occupational & Environmental
Health, September 1996, Vol 3,
No 2

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