The Thai bureaucratic system is multi-layered. Each ministry has its own law backing its power and operation without counter balancing powers from other agencies. Currently, natural resource management is the responsibility of a number of line ministries. One advantage of this approach is specialization. However, the holistic nature of an ecosystem requires holistic management since one sector s activity will affect another s responsibilities.
Sectoral approach is unsuitable for the environment, especially at the field level.
Participatory management of various agencies and other stakeholders should be adopted at the river basin level rather than according to administrative boundaries. Currently the government uses rules and regulations as the main instruments for managing environmental conservation. If they fail to be effective there are few alternatives or supplementary tools. The Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality Act B.E. 1992 does not cover the various economic tools which may be used in environmental management. Environmental taxation is not stated in the law, therefore the Finance Ministry must rely on an excise tax in its place.