BANGKOK, July 2015 – Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has insisted on the need to provide sufficient power for the southern region of Thailand due to rising demand.
His reiteration was made three days after over a hundred activists of the Save Andaman from Coal Network proposed three requests against a coal-fired power project in Krabi Province, near southern Thailand’s Andaman coast.
Gen Prayut said the government did not accept their requests but took them into account. He expected joint discussion with the opponents, believing that it would lead to the best solution to power shortage in the region.
He pointed out whatever source of power will be chosen, the government must raise public understanding about the power plant project. He stressed that an EIA process is still in need. Otherwise, the project is unable to move forward.
The government would re-consider building power plants that use alternative sources such as oil palms. However, it also needs to look into the volume of power from such raw materials and a pipe line system to be built.
He pleaded Thai people not to link the power plant project with political conflicts and not to take a hunger strike. The government has already listened to them and also expected them to hear its voice.
On the topic of the power plant auction scheduled for August 5, the Prime Minister said the bidding should be finalized after a joint discussion with all related parties.
