Construction of the Chana Industrial Estate in Songkhla will be deferred to next year, pending a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) report on government development projects in the South.
Danucha Pichayanan, secretary-general of the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), yesterday said Prince of Songkla University had been hired for 28.22 million baht to carry out the assessment in Songkhla and Pattani provinces.
The cabinet earlier decided to postpone the industrial estate project until the assessment was finished due to public concerns.
"The study is expected to finish in about 18 months or in the middle of next year," Mr Danucha said.
Some 40 public hearings are expected to be staged in two years, with 32 hearings this year expected to draw 2,100 locals and another eight next year expected to draw 900, he said.
Individuals can also participate in these hearings via the NESDC website and social media platforms such as Line, he said.
"A survey will be conducted to help the university carry out the assessment to determine the next move of the development plan," Mr Danucha said.
"This effort is to try to encourage the participation of locals."
The Chana industrial project has drawn local resistance. Villagers are accusing the government of failing to include truly consult them.
Although some believe the estate may stimulate the economy, many residents have expressed concerns over the potential environmental effects, especially in the farming and fishery sectors, a main source of income for many.
On June 21, the cabinet decided to reverse a decision to halt progress on the Chana industrial project until an SEA was completed. However, the Songkhla business council has petitioned the government to press on.