Activists demand review on permission of toxic farm chemicals

BANGKOK, June 5 (TNA) – Activists rallied at Government House, calling for the government to review its decision not to ban three hazardous farming chemicals. The network of anti-hazardous substances organizations and Thailand Pesticide Alert Network (Thai-PAN) submitted the letter to Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha today at Government House, demanding review of the Hazardous Substance Committee’s resolution not to ban paraquat, glyphosate and chlorpyrifos. The activists recommended that these dangerous substances be banned. They said the committee’s claim that the impacts on environment and health were unclear and debatable contradicts findings of several previous committees and the resolution of the National Farmers Council. They said the 12-member committee comprises representatives from the agriculture ministry, former officials of the agriculture ministry and the ministry’s supporters, excluding experts in impacts on health. The information, used for consideration is obsolete and some committee members have conflicts of interest. Agriculture Minister Kritsada Boonrat accepted the letter and told the network to submit academic information to the committee for consideration. The minister proposed the joint working committee between the public sector and the ministry be set up to work on the proposals to the Hazardous Substance Committee. Regarding their claim that some committee members have the conflicts of interest, he told them to hand over evidence for inspection. Any officials, who are involved in corruption will face harsh punishment. (TNA)