BANGKOK, Oct 25 (TNA) – Deputy Prime Minister/Public Health Minister Anutin Charvirakul said the government did not have to review its decision to ban any toxic farm chemical for public heath despite an objection from the United States.
He said that the US Chamber of Commerce wrote to the government on Oct 11, asking it to review its decision to ban herbicide glyphosate.
“This matter concerns the health of Thai people. The National Hazardous Substances Committee made its decision and the Public Health Ministry stands firm on the resolution. This is the matter of a national law. There should not be any interference,” Mr Anutin said.
On Oct 22, the National Hazardous Substances Committee resolved to ban glyphosate, paraquat and chlorpyrifos from Dec 1. The US Chamber of Commerce sent its request because glyphosate was used with US soybean and wheat that Thailand imports.
Mr Anutin also said that the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry would be able to find substitutes for the three banned chemicals.
As some farmers would seek an injunction from the Administrative Court to postpone the ban, Mr Anutin said he would wait to see a ruling from the court. (TNA)
