What is the main purpose of an EIA?
Shopping for condos with a high return on investment in Hua Hin, Thailand, is becoming increasingly popular. An environmental impact assessment (EIA) is a process that some building projects in Thailand and other areas of the world must undergo before a building permit can be issued and construction can begin. Choosing a condo that’s undergone the EIA process can ease your mind that you’ve made the right investment.
The EIA process contains six steps designed to protect the environment and residents from any damage or harm the building’s design, materials, and landscaping may cause to the existing surroundings.
Most developed countries have adopted the EIA process as a safeguard strategy that can prevent irreparable damage to the natural environment, existing infrastructure, and danger to residents.
In Thailand, a full-form EIA is required on larger projects, including hotels with at least 80 rooms, condominium developments with at least 80 units, or any construction projects of at least 4,000 sqm.
Thai citizens and foreigners can also legally purchase an unbuilt or off-plan condo before the development passes its EIA. This means you’d be investing in a property development that may be denied a building permit. It’s always wise to know whether the EIA process will be required before committing to a property purchase to avoid any potential complications.
The Complete Full-Form EIA Process
If you decide to proceed with the purchase of an off-plan condo that’s subject to an EIA, the full-form EIA process doesn’t have a definite timeline. The timing of each step depends on the individual project. The six steps of the process include:
1. Screening
When a developer submits their plans to the governing authorities for approval, a screening process occurs to decide whether a project falls within the legal definition of requiring an environmental assessment. Projects may require a partial or complete assessment before a construction permit is issued.
2. Scoping
Scoping is the next step in the process. It decides which areas are subject to an assessment based on international conventions, legal requirements, public involvement, and expert knowledge. This is the step where developers may be asked to submit alternative solutions to an identified problem or provide compensation to mitigate adverse impacts.
3. Preparing the EIA Report
The EIA report will be prepared by a qualified panel of experts under the government’s authority. It will include an environmental management plan (EMP) for projects judged to have an impact and a non-technical summary for general audiences.
4. Application and Consultation Process
Before a decision on issuing a construction permit can be made, all interested parties and the public must be notified through public media and be given an opportunity to express their views on the matter.
5. Decision Making Process
The EIA report and all comments pertaining to it will then be taken into consideration by the government authorities before deciding whether or not to allow the project to proceed. The final decision must also be published through public media.
6. Monitoring, Compliance, and Enforcement
If the project is allowed to proceed, stipulations in the EMP may require the project to be monitored. This may occur throughout the construction phase to ensure compliance and enforcement of the solutions and compensation agreed to in step two.
Benefits of an Environmental Impact Assessment
The EIA process is of particular benefit in Thailand. The country has a wealth of pristine beaches, coastlines, and thousands of hectares of beautiful primary-growth forests. However, Thailand is also a rapidly developing, modern country with an increasing population. The country is also increasingly desirable as a second-home location.
Adopting the EIA process helps ensure that Thailand’s environment is preserved for future generations and that sustainable, responsible growth can be encouraged throughout the country.
Visit the Condos of Hua Hin Supsiri
Condos in Thailand typically have EIAs done to ensure the safety of the residents and the surrounding area. To view some outstanding examples of new condos for sale with a sea view in Hua Hin that harmoniously blend in with the surrounding environment, visit the seaside town and view the spacious, high-quality condos of Hua-Hin Supsiri Property.
References:
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Overview – Retrieved August 15, 2025, from: https://www.mygov.scot/eia
What is Impact Assessment? – Retrieved August 15, 2025, from: https://www.cbd.int/impact/whatis.shtml
What Is an “EIA” and Why Is It Important? – Retrieved August 15, 2025, from: https://homeinphuket.com/blog/what-is-an-eia-and-is-it-important
