The Administrative Court of Chiang Rai province on Monday revoked the licence of a biomass power plant because it was built without approval.
The court ruled against the husk-fired factory of Phalang-ngan Sa-ard Dee 2 Co in Ban Trai Kaeo village of tambon Wiang Nua in Wiang Chai district of Chiang Rai.
According to the ruling, the project needed to undergo a public hearing in compliance with the constitution because it may have adverse impacts on local people.
There was a public hearing organised by the company, and not by a governmental organisation. The hearing drew only 1,239 people - only 16% of 7,756 affected residents.
Besides, the tambon Wiang Nua council did not approve the power plant's construction.
The court also based its ruling on its finding that a biomass power plant operated by Mungcharian Green Power Co in Surin province proved to have negative impacts on public health.