An alliance of energy reform advocates on Wednesday questioned the government's sincerity over a planned public forum on the controversial 21st petroleum concessions, saying key people from the group will not be allowed to present their opinions.
The group also urged Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to chair the forum himself.
The key alliance members led by former prime minister and Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, former finance minister Thirachai Phuvanatnaranubalam, former People's Alliance for Democracy co-leader Parnthep Pourpongpan and energy activist ML Kornkasiwat Kasemsri met Wednesday at a Bangkok hotel after it became clear Gen Prayut would not be around to listen.
Prime Minister's Office Minister ML Panadda Diskul is to chair the forum to take place at Government House.
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The group was disappointed that the forum was designed to be a public debate, rather than a group discussion. They wanted the government to change the format to allow civic groups to present their opinions and suggestions because the group's suggestions were not technical and not about scientific facts. They said they were about policy and management.
According to the group, the government had reportedly named four people as representatives of civic groups without consulting them, causing a farcical situation. Moreover, Mr Abhisit who signed the petition against the bidding, was not included as a forum speaker to express the opinions of the alliance, much to its disappointment.
Mr Thirachai proposed a group discussion chaired by Gen Prayut himself for relevant groups to make suggestions. The prime minister could ask state authorities for more information if he had questions.
He also said Mr Abhisit should be the person who presents information to the forum. The former prime minister is one of the people who also provided useful suggestions.
Protests including this environmentalist couple made up in blackface have ignored the martial law ban on gatherings of more than five people - and authorities have taken no action against them. (Photo by Chanat Katanyu)
Mr Parnthep said the civic groups have yet to select their representatives and it is inappropriate for the government to choose for them.
Mr Abhisit said he received an invitation to the forum but was not designated as a speaker. However, he said he could give suggestions.
He said the network is not satisfied with the way the forum is to be held.
Former Democrat MP Atthawich Suwanpakdi said the forum is designed to be a debate rather than a forum to accept suggestions.
He said the civic groups do not want to debate the issue with authorities concerned. They simply want the government to consider amendments to the petroleum law and allow for other forms of natural resource management.
"The 21st round will be a test of the government's sincerity and courage. In 2022, a concession licence for a large block will expire," he said.
Narong Phetprasert, an economist and member of the energy reform network, said tomorrow's forum was more likely planned to justify the concession bidding.
He said the authorities concerned may claim later the forum served as a public hearing on the 21st bidding. By joining the forum the network might play into the government's hands.
The group criticised the government's running of the forum saying it did not facilitate civic groups to present suggestions.
Deputy government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the forum is being held to allay public concerns that the government listens to just one side of the story, noting that several factors are involved.
He said that the government wants the forum to provide a solution for all stakeholders and hopes participants will not waste the opportunity and trade heated words.
Also on Wednesday, Gen Prayut rejected the call for him to chair the forum, saying he had a lot of work to do and he had a cabinet to screen work for him.
Energy Minister Narongchai Akrasanee will take part in the forum and he will consider the information when he submits the matter to him for consideration, the prime minister said.
Gen Prayut said the forum will take place in the Government House compound on his orders so those joining it would be giving a gesture of respect to him.
Puangthip Silpasart, director-general of the Mineral Fuels Department, said the bidding was extended from Wednesday to March 16 and the forum is not for gathering new input, but for explaining and answering questions.
The forum will be broadcast live on TV Channel 11 from 9am to noon.