สำนักราชบัณฑิตยสภา

«“√ “√ √“™∫— ≥±‘ µ¬ ∂“π ªï ∑’Ë Û ©∫— ∫∑’Ë Û °.§.-°.¬. ÚıÙ¯ 729 Chavalit Pichalai the Middle East, and consumer markets, like China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan, and at the same time serving as a gateway to Indochina and Southern China. • Key Measures --This Strate- gic Plan consists of key measures as follows : - Review the taxation system and structure to eliminate duplication of tax collection and barriers to oil trading, and establish the Customs Free Zones to further facilitate over- seas oil trading in line with interna- tional standards. - Develop the power transmis- sion network, the natural gas pipe- line network, and the networks of other energy sources. This requires international cooperation between the public and private sectors, and go- vernment to government collabora- tion for efficient development of natural resources and optimum use of energy infrastructure. - Connect the north and north- east oil pipeline transmission systems and support intra-regional connection of various transport modes from east to west and south to north of the country, linking Thailand to Burma, Indochina and the southern part of China to expand the energy market. - Encourage integration, sy- nergies, and merger or acquisition among domestic producers to create a world-scale petrochemical busi- ness. • Si Racha Trading Hub To pave the way for Thailand to become the “Regional Energy Center”, efforts have been made to utilize the existing but underutilized energy infrastructure, along with the potential for further expansion in Si Racha. On 29 January 2004, there was an inauguration of “Si Racha Trading Hub” in Chon Buri province --about one and a half (1.5) hour drive east of Bangkok. Si Racha Trading Hub will serve as a gateway for petroleum and petrochemical trading to cater the demand of Indochina and the Far East. This involves the establishment of the Tax Free Zones on Si Chang Island and at Si Racha, both of which are already equipped with energy infra- structure, able to accommodate 350,000 dead-weight-ton tankers. To fully operate as a Tax Free Zone, the taxation system and struc- ture has been made more favorable for oil trading and export. The cor- porate income tax payable on oil trading profits has been reduced from 30% to 10%. There is a possi- bility for this rate to fall to 5% if the trading volumes are high. Laws and regulations relevant to the storage and transportation of energy have also been amended to facilitate the trade in petroleum products. AOne- Stop Service has been established to facilitate all transactions concern- ing the Tax Free Zones. Si Racha and the surrounding areas already have extensive oil storage as well as refinery facilities, which means that Thailand can im- mediately take on the role of energy trader. With surging demand from China and Japan, the Asian region is faced with tight supply. Therefore, Thailand can come in and offer an alternative market aiming to comple- ment the existing regional trading activities for the benefit of the whole. 5. Environmental Impact of En- ergy Supply Thailand’s rapid economic growth and hence increased con- sumption of energy, particularly in the industrial and transportation sectors, have brought about adverse impact on the environment. The most visible environmental effect is the growing problem of air pollution in major urban cities where traffic congestion has been a difficult pro- blem to tackle. The Thai government has introduced various measures to address urban air pollution problems. One prominent measure is the phas- ing out of leaded gasoline, which was absolutely abolished from the mar- ket as from 1 January 1996 and which has much improved air quality in major cities, particularly Bangkok. With a view to reducing the car- bon intensity level resulting from energy development and utilization, Thailand has diversified the types of fuel supply, emphasizing cleaner energy, like natural gas, and more renewable energy sources. Also in- tensified is the energy efficiency im- provement and biofuel promotion, such as fuel ethanol and biodiesel, to reduce fossil fuel consumption. Besides, environmental impact as- sessments (EIAs) are required for major energy projects, and more pub- lic participation in the development