The EPA invited the Pollution Control Department (PCD) of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Thailand to co-host the 2021 Taiwan-Thailand Soil and Groundwater Environmental Technology Cooperation Forum on 24 December 2021. Held both physically and virtually, the forum saw hundreds of experts and scholars from both sides enthusiastically exchange on the experience of soil and groundwater policy, investigation, and regulation, laying a good foundation for future cooperation. EPA Minister Tzi-Chin Chang, acting representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand Wei-Min Hsu, and acting representative of Thailand Trade and Economic Office Sunh Arunrugstichai were specially invited to give remarks.

In the opening address, Minister Chang stressed that soil and groundwater protection would be an important task for Taiwan and Thailand in the future since this issue was closely related to sustainable development and food supply. As to the soil and water pollution caused by industrial development, Taiwan has gradually accomplished the improvement of polluted sites and agricultural lands through the implementation of the Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Act and the completion of relevant administrative regulations. The interaction between Taiwan and Thailand in the area of environmental protection was interrupted due to the pandemic, and the forum marked the commencement of the cooperation between the two sides through video conferencing for the first time, laying the foundation for the development of future technological exchanges and strengthening further cooperation.

The EPA stated that 2021 marked the 20th anniversary of the establishment of its Soil and Groundwater Remediation Fund Management Board. And through international soil and groundwater technological and academic exchanges, it would continue to promote international accreditations to share capacities with its Thai partners and face climate change issues together for sustainable development. Deputy Director-General of the Pollution Control Department, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Thailand Preeyaporn Suwanaged stated that the topic of soil and groundwater protection is essential in current global exchanges, and the laws and ideas of both sides could be shared through this forum.

Acting representative Wei-Min Hsu said that environmental protection and sustainability are of great importance for Taiwan and Thailand. Taiwan possesses comprehensive regulations, technical excellence, and ample experience in soil and groundwater protection. With the world facing the challenges of climate change, Taiwan can share its experience and technical know-how with other countries worldwide. Acting representative Sunh Arunrugstichai said that the two parties could exchange experience and sustainable development technology and seek further cooperation through this forum.

Excerpt from Major Environmental Policies, January 2022