Abstract
This research has been initiated and emerged from the results of baseline assessment conducted, towards “the trans-border risks with impacts to health and environment” of the mega project carried out, in case of the Hong Sa power plant. The research methodologies comprises two main components, as: (i) the first – the research for development of self-monitoring system through the Community Health Impact Assessment (CHIA) as a tool; (ii) the second – the review of laws and policies of Thailand and of Laos PDR in aspects of supervision and management of trans-border impact (pollution); and (iii) the recommendations made. It could be summarized with finding as follows. The research team also identified that the most serious concern of villagers was the impacts incurred to their cash crops, as the agricultural products might be damaged and declined and causing of the economic loss, since they would be principal incomes gained for their necessities. The second serious concern of villagers was the health impacts incurred from the contamination of poisonous substances and pollutions accumulated in soils, water and air including food crops, e.g. rice and vegetable. These would cause the chronic and emerging sicknesses and diseases with harm induced in the long run. And although the majority of villagers were entitled to the healthcare schemes with social security and with accessibility to sub-district healthcare services centers and hospitals nearby the villages, but these were only for the basic and primary healthcare services provided with first aids or emergency incidents. Thus, the making of risk map of communities, it would be the vital work with further backing-up and supportive needs and such map would cover aspects of environment and health, especially towards the abnormality with agricultural productivity; the vulnerable groups with health problems and those with respiratory system and blood vessels, including those with pregnancy and maternity (mother and infant) whom might be more sensitive than people in general for the design of impact monitoring system toward the community furthermore. And this was relating to multi-sector entities and it deems expedient to cooperate among the government agencies and people. The agencies shall take part with information received and sharing for finding solutions are: those in charge with agriculture, health, irrigation and local administration, as this would be necessary for having more and wide cooperation with all sectors.
