KRABI, Sept 8 — Villagers in Thailand’s Andaman Sea resort province of Krabi early Sunday gathered to oppose the planned construction of a new coal-fired power plant which could generate 800 megawatts of electricity.
The protesting villagers and environmental activists led by Vichai Nakjorn, a member of Pakasai local government organisation, waved green flags in a show of opposition to building the coal-fired power plant in a Nuea Khlong district village.
Demonstrators gathered after learning that the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) planned to hold a third public hearing on September 28 to gauge local residents’ opinions on the planned construction.
Charging that EGAT had not given enough details on the planned construction in previous hearings, the protesters said they did not believe EGAT was sincere.
Befire dispersing, the protesters also placed posters on several houses saying they didn’t want the plant because it could affect environment.
Mr Vichai also read a statement urging the National Council for Peace and Order to speed up the release of its policy on energy reform which it said would be fair to the people and simultaneously protect the country’s interests.
