Anti-coal protesters shrug off PM's threat

Anti-coal protesters shrug off PM's threat

Once again, Bangkok is to become a scene of protests for anti-coal activists, as the top energy policy agency will meet and make a decision on the contentious coal-fired power plant in Krabi tomorrow.

Many believe that the National Energy Policy Council, after many postponements, will give the nod to the controversial project, proposed by the Egat which plans to build one plant in Krabi with two more plants in Songkhla in the pipeline, despite staunch protests. It's regarded as a final decision for the Krabi plant, given that the council is chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.

In launching this protest, the first for this year, coal opponents who formed the Network of Saving the Andaman are defying the ban against public gatherings imposed by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).

In his bid to defuse the protesters' move, the prime minister earlier this week reminded them of the ban. He also said their protest "has not fallen on deaf ears" as the controversial project has been delayed since 2015. So he thinks there is no reason for them to demonstrate in Bangkok and, by doing so, protesters would violate the law.

The protesters shrugged off the prime minister's threat, though. Lessons from their struggle make them believe they cannot trust those in the government. Their voices against coal have been subdued by state propaganda while state agencies have used several tactics.

The latest move that fuelled their anger is a letter an assistant to district chief sent to all village heads, instructing them to arrange for a group of villagers, 20 from each village, at a gathering in front of Krabi provincial hall to express their support for the power plant.

In should be noted that the letter which was intercepted by an anti-coal leader who posted it on Facebook was written in such ambiguous language that it gave the impression the prime minister endorses the plants and he therefore needs support from locals so he could make a decision. It's clear that such a gathering will help justify the government's approval.

In the letter, dated Feb 14, the officer said the gathering was part of the people's participatory process.

In fact, the letter is hardly a surprise. It's one of so many instances of foul play adopted by state agencies in a bid to push for the 800-megawatt coal-fired plant which will put the pristine Andaman province at risk.

It reminds us of a similar move in November last year when Krabi governor Pinit Boonlert gathered signatures of coal supporters and submitted the petition to the government shortly after Prime Minister Prayut said he would listen to villagers' views.

The prime minister has done so little to convince demonstrators that the government will give them a fair hearing. The letter saga simply reaffirms their belief.

Prasitchai Nunuan, who has led several anti-coal protests in Bangkok and in his hometown, said tomorrow's protest cannot be avoided.

His determination is understandable. Gen Prayut's negative reaction to anti-coal campaigns put the leader on the opposite side. Besides, he always cites lack of power security to support this filthy energy source.

Of course, Mr Prasitchai and others in civic society are frustrated after their research study which proves that Krabi has the potential to rely 100% on renewables, mostly biomass, never gained recognition from the state.

The proposal, the so-called green power development plan, was completed early last year. According to Mr Prasitchai, it was submitted to Gen Prayut via a tripartite committee which was set up earlier last year when the anti-coal gatherings in Bangkok reached a peak.

"We have no idea what happened to our proposal," he said, adding that the committee was not functional and was set up merely to buy time.

He said the committee was later dissolved later that year without a clear reason.

We have no idea if the prime minister ever read -- or received -- a copy of the plan from the committee. But since he has never mentioned it, the chances are zero.

Before this, the Egat and energy planner had broken many promises that had been agreed with the committee. Among them was the decision to resume environmental impact assessment studies which in the protesters' view, is just a ploy to justify the plant's construction and the launch of the project bidding. Just like a series of public hearings that were seen as ceremonial, if not cosmetic.

Gen Prayut should stop and think what he means by saying he has listened to all sides. It's time he proves it.

Ploenpote Atthakor

Former editorial page Editor

Ploenpote Atthakor is former editorial pages editor, Bangkok Post.

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