On April 4, 2022, H.E. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) spoke on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Pollution Control Department (PCD) “Together PCD protect the environment” that PCD is an agency with many missions and will have more roles and missions afterwards. Working and coordinating with various organizations (Intra-Ministry and Inter-Ministry) is not easy, but it is not beyond the ability of PCD. I believe that PCD is determined to deal with pollution problems and coordinate people’s complaints. I would like to encourage all officers not to be discouraged and to work hard with discipline, honesty, patience, and perseverance to protect our natural resources and environment for our future generations.
Mr. Jatuporn Buruspat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, said that the challenge for PCD is that people’s expectations are increasing every day. As the agency’s name called “Pollution Control”, it is a heavy responsibility for PCD. We must admit that we were only part of taking care of natural resources and environment in the past. The pollution problems arise not only from the accident or intention of the people but also from the changing environment according to the economic and social conditions. While the other parties and sectors have their laws, the law enforcement requires the cooperation of the relevant authorities. PCD also tries to integrate with all sectors, especially with the local authorities.
Mr. Jatuporn said that MNRE has recognized the importance of working processes that need to be consolidated to facilitate operations. Therefore, MNRE has brought the Regional Environmental Office 1-16, which are central authorities located in the region of Thailand, to be under PCD to work more efficient and to be closer to people in all areas. As a result, the past works have progressed. I am appreciated the work of the Director General of PCD, Mr. Athapol Charoenshunsa, who has the intention of working on pollution. He has set up the Environmental Protection Unit (EPU) to carry out the missions that make work faster and closer to people.
Therefore, I would like PCD to pay attention to people’s expectations. The most importance is to develop yourself and develop technology all the time. You have to let people know that you have dealt with the problem and how long it takes to deal with it. PCD needs the cooperation of relevant authorities and PCD must have strict laws to arbitrate penalties. Last but not least, I wish all government officials to have fun at work and keep in mind that people are waiting for your help. I wish you to be determined and to be the main force of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Mr. Jatuporn said.
