BANGKOK, Oct 10 (TNA) – Deputy Prime Minister and Public
Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has vowed to push for a ban on three toxic
farm chemicals despite fierce opposition and lawsuit threats.
The herbicides paraquat and glyphosate and the pesticide
cholorpyrifos have been topics of fierce debate as civil groups and academics
have long called for a total ban due to health impacts on farmers and
consumers.
Mr. Anutin on Thursday responded to groups of farmers and
businesses who have threatened academics and government agencies who support a
ban on the three toxic farm chemicals.
The public health minister who has repeatedly promised a ban
on the chemicals said he welcomed opposition to the move but opponents must
come forward and raise their grievances openly to the public.
Many academics and researchers have faced intimidation after
campaigning for a ban on the toxic chemicals.
Some hospitals that put up banners against the chemicals have been
harshly criticized.
Those who disagree with the proposed ban claim that there
are no alternative to the herbicides and pesticides. The ban would negatively affect farmers. The chemicals remaining in stockpiles of
suppliers are said to have worth more than THB4 billion.
Meanwhile, members of a farmers’ group in Loei province took
oath to transform themselves as organic farming advocates.
In the south, a rubber farmer in Trang said he stopped using
chemicals many years ago out of concerns over health and environment
impacts.
A government panel on toxic chemicals is due to make a
decision on the proposed ban on October 27. (TNA)
