Environmental justice in action: A case study of the Tong Kham Landfill Project, Hua Raw district, Muang Phitsanulok

Abstract

This research investigates environmental justice at the Thongkham Landfill in Hua Ro Subdistrict Municipality through a qualitative research approach, employing in-depth interviews with 10 stakeholders engaged in waste management and analyzing the data descriptively. The findings reveal considerable gaps in the application of environmental justice principles across three primary dimensions: 1) Distributional Justice – Governmental interventions have insufficiently mitigated the adverse impacts on local communities, leading to an imbalanced distribution of environmental burdens. 2) Procedural Justice – Limited avenues for public participation restrict genuine engagement, marginalizing local stakeholders from critical decision-making processes. 3) Recognition Justice – The rights and voices of original communities remain largely disregarded, with minimal respect for their legitimate claims and cultural heritage.

To address these deficiencies, government authorities should embrace an inclusive and transparent approach to decision-making, ensuring active stakeholder participation throughout planning and implementation phases. Transparency should be emphasized by providing clear project disclosures, conducting thorough risk assessments, and establishing compensation programs specifically targeted at affected communities. Furthermore, regulatory frameworks must be enhanced to protect vulnerable populations, with stringent penalties for non-compliance to ensure accountability and uphold environmental justice principles effectively.