Government Open to Input on Chana Industrial Project

[snoop1130]

 

BANGKOK (NNT) - Following the June 21 decision to resume development of the Chana industrial project in Songkhla province, the government has affirmed that it remains open to the views of all interested parties.

 

The Chana Industrial Park project, which includes the construction of industrial facilities, deep-sea ports and biomass power plants, was approved by the Cabinet in 2018.

 

Some local residents expressed concern that the industrial project, proposed by the Southern Border Province Administration Center (SBPAC) as part of the National Development Strategy, may impact their communities, cultures and livelihoods.

 

In response to their concerns, Deputy Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said during a press conference that a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of the Chana project will soon be conducted by the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council.

 

According to the spokesperson, a recent Cabinet meeting also discussed role model city projects, including a self-sufficient city in Yala’s Betong district, an agricultural industry city in Pattani’s Nong Chik, and a cross-border trade city in Narathiwat’s Sungai Kolok - all of which have passed study criteria and received public approval.

 

The SBPAC said support is also being provided for the cultivation of coconut and palm trees on unused land, as well as for farming giant mud crabs and cattle to assist residents in the region in generating additional income.

 

-- © Copyright NNT 2022-07-12

 

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[Srikcir]

'part of the Natinal Development Strategy'

 

20-year plan approved by the military "junta-controlled NLA" in 2018 preceding first national elections in 2019 since the Charter Court nullified the last election held in February 2014. During these years the military junta was firmly in control of the government. Any public input would be irrelevant and likely unappreciated.

 

Note that the 20-year National Strategic Plan was made binding and a constitutionally protected feature by the junta drafted 2017 Constitution.

 

The junta argued that "Thailand needs a comprehensive strategic plan that will help steer national development on a proper path towards security." (Ref. National Strategy 2018-2037 Summary by Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board). 

 

But hey, NOW the former junta chief and current PM Prayut regime is open to input from the Southern communities affected by it.

 

Given the Prayut junta failed to "resolve" the southern Muslem insurrection since 2014, it may be no surprise that the Prayuth regime is now trying a more nationalistic push in the south through more economic deceptive plan. Is this really a just strategic pre-election gesture with little expectation of real community input?

 

The Malay Muslim South might prefer autonomy to determine its own economic path that the Thai military will not concede. Meanwhile the South still remains under a state of emergency imposed by the junta since 2014. 

 

To the South, can't we all just get along together and cooperate? We're "all ears" with our fingers on the trigger.

 

 

[MarcelV]

Sickening

[Stocky]

On 7/13/2022 at 8:42 AM, Srikcir said:

Is this really a just strategic pre-election gesture with little expectation of real community input?

The poor folk of Chana can 'input' their objections as much as they like but the government isn't about to listen.