The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has agreed to probe the Chao Phya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital Foundation's complaint that a PTT Plc gas pipeline has damaged the foundation's herbal farm.
Supaporn Pitiporn, secretary-general of the Chao Phya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital Foundation, meets National Human Rights Commission members to show them how the foundation's herbal farm has been damaged by a PTT Plc gas pipeline, in Prachin Buri's Muang district. Pattanapong Hirunard
"The NHRC will visit the site and inspect the damage. This is an urgent matter as damage has already been done while we still don't know how PTT will deal with the problem," said Niran Pitakwatchara, an NHRC member said yesterday after receiving a formal complaint by the foundation.
Supaporn Pitiporn, secretary-general of the foundation, yesterday petitioned the NHRC to look into the damage to the farm which she said was caused by bentonite, or artificial drilling mud, from installation of a PTT pipeline.
The mud has leaked into the herbal farm's wells, in tambon Noen Hom of Prachin Buri's Muang district, damaging more than 70 species of rare herbs, said Ms Supaporn, who is a pharmacologist.
The foundation does not want any financial compensation from the energy conglomerate but the gas pipeline must be removed from the farm area, she said.
PTT offered to pay 1.48 million baht in compensation for use of the land, but the foundation rejected the proposal.
The company also sought permission to enter the area to clean up the bentonite but the foundation refused, fearing damage to the plants.
The Prachin Buri governor will hold a meeting with PTT and the foundation today to try to mediate their conflict.