Pipeline dispute hearing today

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Pipeline dispute hearing today

Feb. 13 1998
Bangkok Post

The public information panel will begin a hearing on the gas pipeline
project today after Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai approved its establishment
yesterday.

The panel chaired by former prime minister Anand Panyarachun is to sort out
differences on the project's details from both the Petroleum Authority of
Thailand which is in charge of pipeline laying and opponents.

Surapon Duangkhae, deputy secretary-general of the Wildlife Fund Thailand,
said the government approached conservation groups yesterday to announce
the premier's endorsement of the establishment of the panel and appointment
of its members.

According to Mr Surapon, representatives of the opponents which include
affected villagers, NGOs and lawyers would make an address about the social
and environmental impact, gas deal contracts and the impact on villagers
along the pipeline route, whereas the PTT would rebut with data from its
own side.

Panellists comprising prominent persons nominated from both sides will draw
conclusions after hearing the pros and cons. They will pass on their
findings to the government for a decision and it will be publicised.

Meanwhile, some 200 villagers of Tambon Chorake Phuak, Dan Makham Tia
district of Kanchanaburi province, submitted a letter to the district chief
yesterday to support the pipeline project.

The move represented a reversal of the villagers' stance as they had
previously expressed opposition to the project.

A total of 11 houses in the village are affected by the pipeline and the
villagers switched their position to back the construction after its
benefits were explained to them, said Wanchai Boonyong, tambon head.