Thai PM looks to Japan for pollution solutions

"Japan should be a good example as it expanded its economy through its industrial sector in the 1950s, when green technology was non-existent," the premier said yesterday at a seminar on the history of the environment and activities on environmental deterioration in Japan held by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce, the Japan External Trade Organisation (Jetro) Bangkok and the Federation of Thai Industries.

Mr Abhisit said in the early days of industrialisation, Japan experienced severe pollution with contamination of water, air and soil.

He said it was now rated among the best environmental conservation countries in the world.

"We should study their measures and solutions on how to handle the situation, how they [industrial and community] can co-exist peacefully," Mr Abhisit said.

The prime minister pledged to resolve the Map Ta Phut dispute between government agencies, industrial operators and villagers in Rayong as soon as possible.