EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment)

Definition

Mandatory environmental impact assessment for sensitive construction projects in Thailand: hotels with more than 80 rooms, coastal projects, projects in protected zones, and industrial projects. The EIA is conducted by a firm certified by ONEP (Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning), then validated by the ministry. The report covers fauna, flora, water, waste, traffic, and landscape. Timeline: 4 to 9 months; cost: 500,000 to 2,000,000 THB. Without a validated EIA, the building permit is refused.