FPO rehashes bill to levy pollution tax

Smoke emitting businesses like this sugar factory will be carefully inspected and subject to heavy fines and possible closure if they are found to be polluting. (Photo supplied)

The Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) has dusted off a bill that enables the Finance Ministry to impose taxes and fees on polluters in a fresh effort to fight environmental problems.

A law that comprehensively handles environmental problems concerning air and water pollution as well as waste is necessary, said Lavaron Sangsnit, director-general of the FPO.

The lack of such a law means state agencies tasked with the issue do not have tools to combat pollution in a timely manner.

The FPO proposed a draft bill to empower the Finance Ministry to charge taxes and fees on polluters several years ago, but the Council of State opposed the law, saying the scope for environmental problem management was too wide and should not be a legal practice, said Mr Lavaron.

The draft will give a wider mandate to the Finance Ministry, essentially handing a blank cheque to fight pollution, but the law is meant to provide measures to tackle the problem immediately, he said.

The FPO set out seven measures based on the law -- environmental taxes; management fees such as water treatment; taxes and fees on products that cause environment problems; deposits against environmental risks and damages; trading rights to use natural resources or to emit pollution; subsidies and support measures; and other measures.

Polluters will be subject to fees and taxes under the draft law, he said.

The Council of State should equip policymakers to handle environmental problems in a timely manner, said Mr Lavaron.

Public awareness about environmental problems increased after the air quality in Bangkok and surrounding areas became toxic.

The government has tried measures to curb PM2.5 dust levels, including cutting down on black smoke-emitting vehicles, creating artificial rain, spraying water on the streets, and calling a two-day break for Bangkok schools to reduce traffic congestion.

None of the efforts resulted in improvements.