A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science. School of Environment, Resources and Development

Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1999

Today the world is experiencing an acceleration of environmental degradation accompanied by an increased involvement in environmental issues. Banks and financial institutions, who are lending the capital for investment in commercial and industrial development, are becoming more aware of their customers involvement in environmental issues. This new involvement is not due to a sudden increase in environmental awareness or consciousness "for preservation of the environment and/or conservation of natural resources", but it is due rather too the financial exposure of the banks to the environmental liabilities of their customers. Thus the bank shave a new financial risk associated with the accountability and exposure of their industrial customers, whose production processes or products negatively impact on the environment (through the use or production of toxic, infectious or hazardous materials). The banks therefore are indirectly responsible and financially accountable for environmental degradation. This paper studies the level of awareness and the current responses of both local and international banks in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region to environmental issues and environmental risks. What responses are the banks giving to the increased significance of environmental issues? The study included a survey of over 30 banks in Bangkok. Results indicate that banks are being slow to follow this international trend. The study also analyses the growing need that banks in Bangkok will be facing as new scenario changes take place.