SATUN: Activists from Satun are refusing to join a government panel which they say is intent on spinning a positive image of the Pak Bara deep-sea port megaproject.
The Transport Ministry's Marine Department set up the panel in January to promote a positive image of the port within six months, after locals raised complaints.
The ministry called the first meeting for last Friday at the Satun provincial office, but residents refused to join, saying they fear a whitewash. They are urging the government to disband the panel, and share more details about the plans or risk further conflict.
Chaired by the Satun governor, the committee comprises one local representative and 18 from government offices including the Marine Department, the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand, the Department of Highways, the Ministry of Energy, the State Railway of Thailand and Port of Thailand.
Somboon Khamhang, from the Satun Development Watchdog Group, said locals refused to send anyone because they suspect its purpose.
"It seems more like this committee's aim is to tackle local protesters," he said.
If approved, the Pak Bara deep-sea port would be built on more than 4,000 rai in Petra Marine National Park.
An environmental impact assessment (EIA) was approved by the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning in 2009, but government officials can't move the project forward due to local opposition.
Residents said the EIA was conducted without local participation.
They were also worried the project would damage marine ecology and natural resources including abundant coral reefs and aquatic wildlife which provide food sources and tourism income.
They believe the committee's formation shows the project is moving forward despite local opposition.
Last month, Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha said protesters shouldn't create conflicts. The government will compensate people who suffer losses from the project, he said.
"Different opinions are not a problem. Expressing them is a basic right and the government should respect that and listen," said Mr Somboon.
He said the committee wouldn't be necessary if the Marine Department was transparent about the project and had listened to people's opinions from the beginning.
Mr Somboon urged the government to dissolve the panel as it will only widen conflicts between the state and locals.
He also called for a transparent study process as the Marine Department is seeking a government budget for the next fiscal year to conduct an environmental and health impacts assessment.