Maptaput-area
residents discuss filing a petition to have authorities deny a permit to
build a coal energy plant.
Theerarak Suthathiwong
Maptaput-area residents are again fighting expansion of
the industrial state, this time filing a petition to have authorities deny a
permit to build a coal energy plant.
Residents committee leader Vichian Sakcharoen submitted a
letter to the Rayong Industry Department Dec. 28 to oppose licensing of the
Thai General Coal and Coke Co. plant. They claim the company has refused to
divulge information on the environmental impact the plant would have.
Industry Department spokesman Bandit Thongsricharoen said
the project has not been approved and is only at the public hearing stage.
He said both the company and the residents’ views would be heard.
Rayong residents have opposed construction of the power
plant for more than two years, claiming it will only add to the
environmental dangers posed by the industrial estate. They hope recent court
rulings requiring industry and government to better monitor and protect
nearby neighborhoods will again prove successful.
