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(2) Economic Measures
Implementation of Groundwater Use Charges: Groundwater Use Charges were first implemented in 1985 in the six provinces of Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathumthani, Ayutthaya, Samut Prakan, and in parts of Samut Sakhon, where 1.00 baht was charged for every cubic meter of groundwater used. By 1994, the charge was increased to 3.50 THB/m 3 , and the government began to charge for groundwater use in the whole country. Between 2000 and 2003, the groundwater
charge was gradually increased in the Critical Zone from 3.50 THB/m 3 (July 2000) to 8.50 THB/m 3 (April 2003).
Implementation of Preservation Charges: The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), based on the 2003 amendment of the Groundwater Act, has recently imposed the Groundwater Preservation Charge for all groundwater users in the Critical Zone. Starting at 1.00 THB/m 3 (1 September 2004), the charge is set to increase to 8.50 THB/m 3 in 2006, leveling off at that rate beyond 1 July 2006. Because of the institution of the Charge, the total cost per cubic meter of groundwater used in the Critical Zone has become relatively high compared to the piped water charge, which has helped in limiting the exploitation of groundwater in the area. The total groundwater charge increased from 9.50 THB/m 3 in 2004, to 12.50 THB/m 3 by mid-2005, and to 17 THB/m 3 by July 2006 and beyond. In a perception survey, industries responded that they will continue the use of groundwater even if the charges are increased; the maximum rate acceptable to them being 20 THB/m 3 of water used.
Levying surcharges and penalizing violators of regulations: According to the Groundwater Act, anyone not following the regulations will be fined not more than 20,000 THB, and those who use groundwater in declared Critical Zones or without licenses will be imprisoned for not more than six months and/or fined 20,000 THB and the drilling machinery and equipment confiscated. Registered private users who fail to pay for their use of groundwater on time are also penalized.
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