Court moves to shut down coal operation

Court moves to shut down coal operation

3 government agencies found to be negligent

The Central Administrative Court yesterday ordered local authorities in Samut Sakhon province to shut down the operations of coal company Techni Team (Thailand) as they were adversely affecting local people.

Locals from Samut Sakhon’s Muang district flash a ‘V for victory’ sign at the Central Administrative Court yesterday after learning of the court’s order to shut down a coal transport business that they say causes environmental damage in the province. APICHIT JINAKUL

The order was directed to the Tha Sai tambon administrative organisation, the Samut Sakhon Provincial Industrial Office and Marine Office 3 which supervises water transport in the province.

The court ruled the three government agencies were negligent in their duties by allowing the company to handle, transport, and store coal and build a port to facilitate coal transport by the Tha Chin River in tambon Tha Sai of Muang Samut Sakhon district without authorisation.

The court also ruled the operations of the company adversely affected local people and the environment.

Thongnak Sawekchinda, who led opposition to the coal business, was shot dead on July 28, 2011.

Thongnak was shot by two gunmen on a motorcycle in front of his house in tambon Tha Sai.

Police suspected the shooting was motivated by Thongnak's protest against the coal transportation activities.

The court also ordered the Tha Sai tambon administrative organisation and the Samut Sakhon Provincial Industrial Office to enforce laws governing factories and public health to prohibit Techni Team (Thailand) Co from using its port to aid in its production of fuel from coal in tambon Tha Sai.

The Central Administrative Court also extended an injunction granted on Aug 1, 2011 that suspended the business during the appeal period. The injunction will remain in place until the Supreme Administrative Court orders otherwise.

Speaking after the court ruling, Jomkhwan Sawekchinda, the widow of Thongnak, said she was glad that her husband's work helped improve the lives of other locals and their children.

She said the coal plant had serious impacts on the environment and villagers.

Stop Global Warming Association president, Srisuwan Janya, who represented 19 complainants from tambon Tha Sai, said yesterday that in mid-2011 more than 1,000 people in Muang Samut Sakhon, Ban Phaeo and Krathum Baen districts of Samut Sakhon blocked Rama II Road near the centre of Samut Sakhon to urge the provincial governor to address the negative impacts of coal warehouses on coastal fishing. The governor ordered the closure of all coal plants and warehouses in these areas.

He will prepare other lawsuits against coal-related businesses of other operators in Samut Songkhram province. He also plans to file a lawsuit against Unique Mining Services Co that has resumed operations at its coal plant in tambon Suan Som of Ban Phaeo.

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