LEGAL MEASURES TO PROMOTE ALTERNATIVE DISPOSITIONS OF HUMAN REMAINS IN AN ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY WAY

Abstract

This article aims to present legal and other promotional measures related to the adoption of environmentally friendly alternative body disposition methods and to analyze appropriate measures for establishing these methods in Thailand. The goal is to use these methods as a tool to address environmental problems associated with traditional corpse management. Currently, alternative methods such as cremation with water (Alkaline Hydrolysis) and Natural Organic Reduction are accepted and prescribed. These methods can help solve problems such as air pollution, reducing carbon dioxide emissions, and conserving energy. Additionally, the establishment, development, and management of Natural Burial Grounds can help address issues related to the use of forest areas, conserve or restore forests, reduce forest degradation, increase green spaces, and enhance their potential as carbon sinks.

The author found that Thailand has legal measures and related promotional measures, including environmental fund measures under the Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality Act, B.E. 2535 (1992), energy conservation promotion fund measures under the Energy Conservation Promotion Act B.E. 2535 (1992), project-based promotional measures under the Thailand Voluntary Emission Reduction Program (T-VER), and tax measures that can be considered and adapted to promote, support, assist, and incentivize the government and related private sectors to engage in activities related to more environmentally friendly alternative body disposition methods. However, no current legal measures or regulations support the notion that environmentally friendly alternative body disposition methods can address environmental problems caused by traditional funeral arrangements. These factors hinder the consideration and adaptation of various promotional measures to promote these methods in Thailand.

Therefore, this article presents guidelines for prescribing environmentally friendly alternative funeral arrangements. It uses legal measures and promotional measures from foreign countries, including state-level legal measures from the United States and South Korea, as guidelines for the further development of Thai law.