BP: Students not allowed to prote

[suriya@xxxxxxxxxxxx]

April 3, 1998


                                     



                               GAS PIPELINE

              Students not
              allowed to protest

              Kanchanaburi

              The governor has forbidden students from educational institutes
              here from protesting against the Yadana gas pipeline project.

              Direk Uthaiphol said he had ordered all school administrators
              here to forbid students from joining activities held by those
              rejecting the laying of the pipeline through some forests of
              Kanchanaburi.

              Many organisations, especially the Kanchanaburi Conservation
              Group, have tried to persuade students to join forces with them
              to protest though the project would bring about more advantages
              than disadvantages to the people, he added.

              School administrators must inform him immediately in case their
              students are convinced to participate in activities which may be
              against the law or affect the country, Mr Direk said.

              He also warned local people and students to carefully consider
              before joining the conservation group's planned study trip to
              Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary because there might be
              an ulterior motive.

              Director of the provincial General Education Office Wichai
              Khuprasit said he would inform schools under the office about
              the governor's policy, adding he believed that every school
              would follow the order.

              Meanwhile, a teacher of Thep Mongkol Rangsi School voiced
              objection to the order, saying it was unfair and undemocratic
              because people have the right to conserve natural resources and
              monitor the Petroleum Authority of Thailand's work on the
              project.

              Deputy chairman of the conservation group Boonsong
              Chansongrassamee said the move was unfair and this showed
              that the governor took sides with the PTT.