ECOLOGICAL FORCES FOR ADMINISTRATIVE REFORM - THE THAI NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL-QUALITY ACT OF 1992

The National Environmental Quality Act (NEQA) of 1992 presents an illu minating case of how rapidly changing socio-economic conditions not on ly demand substantive policy relief, but alter the structures that gov ern them. This article examines the institutional arrangements of the NEQA, the conditions that led to its passage and its impact on Thai in ter-governmental relations. Conclusions are drawn regarding the relati onship between ecological forces, policy outcomes, and administrative reform. The analysis is based on data collected and interviews conduct ed during the author's doctoral dissertation research in Thailand from 1994 to 1995.