The statement by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha that coal-fired power in Krabi has been put on hold means the government is just buying time.
Gen Prayut made the statement in response to a fresh protest in Bangkok this week by anti-coal activists who shaved their heads as a sign of opposition to the controversial project. Yet, he refused to scrap the project, just saying that the government is still open to the demands of locals, who are concerned about the impact of coal on their livelihoods, the environment and tourism, and other groups.
This week's protest is the first major anti-coal move by the people's sector after the formation of the tripartite committee, comprising the state, the people's sector and Egat, to find solutions to the conflict over the coal-fired power plant as ordered by the prime minister in August last year. At that time, the government appointed Gen Sakon Sajjanit as committee chairman and it was agreed that the government stop consideration of the Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Health Impact Assessment reports on the project; scrap the bidding for coal-fired power plants and the sea port; and allow Krabi to try to produce 100% renewable energy for three years with the support of the government.
But to the dismay of the people's sector, the tripartite committee, despite many meetings and fact-finding field trips, made no progress. Meanwhile, the people's sector went ahead with a research study that proves the potential of Krabi to be a province that can depend 100% on renewables, with massive supplies of biomass from oil palm plantations and solar power. Unfortunately, the research which was launched in August this year received no attention from Egat and state power planners.
Worse, it turned out that the state, in particular Egat, broke promises as it went ahead with the bidding that was won by Power Construction Corporation of China and Italian-Thai Development Plc. It showed that the agencies are not sincere in seeking a solution to the issue. With the bidding, there are reasons for concern that the government will have to build the power plant or face a huge fine that we know full well will be a "stupidity fee".
Needless to say, by breaking their promises, the state and Egat put their reputation at risk and what they are doing will lead to conflicts and confrontation in the area.
From Gen Prayut's latest statement, it is apparent that he and the government are not aware of the research study, dubbed the "green power development plan".
Instead, he keeps citing lack of power security in the southern region, which means he still believes coal is a key option.
It is a fact that many countries have turned their backs on coal, a fossil fuel that is blamed for global warming. Gen Prayut and the government should feel lucky that Krabi, as well as many other provinces, has a large supply of renewable sources enabling it to avoid coal and go environmentally friendly when it comes to energy production.
Besides, Gen Prayut should realise that with renewables, Thailand can make a contribution regarding climate change when the time comes for the country to do so.
It's good that the prime minister has pledged to listen to the needs of locals. In handling this contentious issue, listening is a must.
Buying time is no longer acceptable.