NAN-F-41
Protest
Bangkok, Feb. 22, 2017(dpa/NAN) An activist group on Wednesday vowed to continue protesting the construction of a coal-fired power plant in Thailand’s southern city of Krabi if the government decided to proceed with the project.
“We will resume our protest if the government ignores our suggestions and continues to exclude us in the new studies,” Jindarat Permlapvirun, member of the Save Andaman from Coal network said.
Activist leader Prasitchai Nunuan on Wednesday released the group’s statement on his Facebook page, calling for the government to consider renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power.
“Our network is confident that if the new studies truly follow academic criteria, there is no way the coal-fired power plant will pass environmental standards,” he said.
The Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha had told reporters on Tuesday that there would be a new study on the environmental and health impacts of the 800-megawatt plant with public participation.
Krabi is a popular tourist hub known for its picturesque beaches and protected national parks.
Opponents say that the project puts the tourism industry, people’s health and the local economy in danger.
The junta defends the project, however, citing the urgent need to produce enough electricity for the country’s south. (dpa/NAN)
OYE/AMY
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Edited by Celine-Damilola Oyewole/Abdullahi Yusuf