Groups support arrested power-plant protesters

By The Nation

 

 

Over 100 public organisations released statements to protest the arrests of 16 activists who demonstrated in opposition to a coal-fired power plant project in Songkhla.

Early on Monday, a group of local activists tried to march to the venue of a mobile Cabinet meeting with the intention of meeting Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha and ask him to reconsider approval for the Thepa coal-fired power plant and the second Songkhla seaport project.

 

However, before they could make it to the venue at Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya in Songkhla’s Muang District, police cracked down on the protesters and arrested 16 prominent members of the group, including protest leader Direk Hemnakhon.

 

After the arrests, public organisations from across the country and many individuals released statements criticising the crackdown and arrests.

 

The major requests in their statements were: the immediate release of all arrested activists; an investigation into the use of the police force to crack down on a peaceful demonstration, stopping the citing of the justice system as a tool to hinder public

participation; ensuring freedom of expression and human rights; and asking the government to stop the Thepa coal-fired power plant project.

 

Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has also issued a statement expressing concern over the incident and requesting all sides to respect human rights principles and settle the conflict in peaceful ways. The NHRC stated that it would closely monitor on this incident.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/politics/30332698

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-11-28

Thai police arrest 16 protesting against coal-fired power plant

 

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thai authorities have arrested 16 people who were protesting against the construction of a coal-fired power plant, drawing criticism of the military government from rights activists and environmentalists.

 

The planned power plant in the southern province of Songkhla will consist of two 1,000-megawatt units, and is part of a power development plan to 2036, but activists object to its expected environmental and health impact on communities in the area.

 

The 16 protesters were arrested on Monday as they travelled from Thepa district, the site of the plant, to the provincial capital to present a petition to Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who was due in the city on Tuesday for a meeting.

 

"This incident shows the true face of Thailand's military dictators, who have committed a long list of abuses and repressions since the May 2014 coup," Sunai Phasuk, Thailand researcher for U.S.-based group Human Rights Watch, told Reuters.

 

Six protesters were injured in a scuffle with police, said anti-coal activist Supat Hasuwannakit.

 

"The use of force was uncalled for," Supat told Reuters.

 

A few police officers were injured, police said, adding that the 16 had been charged with blocking traffic, assaulting authorities, and resisting arrest. Police have requested that a court detains them.

 

Tara Buakamsri, country director for Greenpeace Southeast Asia, said in a statement the action against the protesters reflected a "complete failure" by the government to promote a peaceful and inclusive society.

 

"The Thepa power plant has no legitimacy to be built," the group said.

 

The first unit of the power plant is due to begin operating in 2021.

 

Its environmental health impact assessment was completed in August and is pending approval by the National Environment Board.

 

(Reporting by Patpicha Tanakasempipat, Panarat Thepgumpanat and Pracha Hariraksapitak; Writing by Patpicha Tanakasempipat)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters