The Agriculture and Cooperative Ministry is expected to complete its review of three hazardous chemicals with a view to drawing up restrictions for their use in three months.
Phirapan Khothong, deputy spokesman for the ministry, said yesterday the ministry is waiting for "medical" information from the Public Health Ministry which has recommended a ban on paraquat, chlorpyrifos and glyphosate.
The Public Health Ministry's recommendations are based on research findings on the health effects of the chemicals and the level of contamination in vegetables and legumes. It has recommended the substances be banned by the end of 2020.
Mr Phirapan said the ministry has organised a series of public hearings on the chemicals and found mixed opinions from the participants.
Those who disagree with the total ban argue that the chemicals are inexpensive and effective while their potential harm, according to scientific research, is rated as "little to mild". They said the substances should be allowed for use with restrictions in place, he said.
The ministry will continue to gather more information and propose the findings to a committee on hazardous chemicals which will decide on the use of the pesticides, he added. Mr Phirapan said some countries had banned the substances.
Thai Pesticide Alert Network (Thai-PAN), a non-governmental organisation which campaigns for a ban on harmful chemicals, has demanded the Industry Ministry ban paraquat and chlorpyrifos and restrict the use of glyphosate.
In its petition to the ministry last month, the group urged the Industry Ministry to classify paraquat and chlorpyrifos as "hazardous" substances which will lead to a total ban on production, imports and exports.
It claimed paraquat is banned by 52 countries and 17 other countries have strict regulations in place for its use.
Regarding clyphosate, the network has urged the ministry to strictly monitor the use of the chemical. Indonesia and Malaysia planned to reduce the use of paraquat to 14 million rai of palm plantations.
