If the proposal becomes a reality, Krabi’s famous limestone rock formations could be framed by smoke belching from the plant. In Bangkok on Monday, a Buddhist monk led a group of protestors to Parliament where they lodged a complaint against the plan.
Dadodin Patavatto was the monk leading the demonstration and his followers said EGAT had put the project up for tender even before an environmental impact assessment had been done. A few environmentalists also say they will stage a hunger strike over the power plant.
EGAT environmental management director Anuchart Palakawong Na Ayutthaya claims it is normal practice to solicit bids for power plants before impact assessments are carried out. He explained that doing it this way saved time, but that no project ever went ahead unless it passed the correct appraisals.
Proposal to build Krabi power plant sparks widespread protests
News in Asia
A proposal by Thailand’s national electricity agency to build a coal-fired plant in one of the most beautiful regions of the country has triggered vociferous demonstrations. The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) wants to build the 800-megawatt plant in Krabi to help ensure a stable supply for domestic consumption.