Surat Thani biomass power plant proposal dropped
The Nation



SURAT THANI: -- Some 3,000 Surat Thani residents took to the streets to rally against a biomass-fuelled power-plant project in the province, as the administrative body in Tha Chana district was scheduled to consider the proposal yesterday.

Residents of tambon Prasong in Tha Chana district protested at their Tambon Administrative Organisation at 9am to pressure the tambon council to vote against the planned 9.5-megawatt plant to be built by Smothong 3 Biogas Co in Ban Khao Kaew.

Protest leader Vilailuck Patanarat said the province already housed five palm-oil-production plants, which caused enough pollution including water scarcity, which affects farms. The protest dissipated at 2pm after tambon council president Damri Chanapak said the proposal had been dismissed.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Surat-Thani-biomass-power-plant-proposal-dropped-30260137.html


-- The Nation 2015-05-15

But no protests to shutdown the five palm-oil-production plants, which are causing proven pollution and water scarcity?

I wonder if those plants provide significant employment for the community for which residents are not willing to contest. I doubt the more technilogical bio plant does not. The government needs to consider national security of dependable and affordable power over local desires.

But perhaps the company and government have not done enough to demonstrate to these people that the plant will not ADD to pollution of their environment. And at the same time crackdown on the polluting palm oil production plants.

So nice to hear that "peoples voices" are being heard and not just walked over.

Perhaps a better/ more thourough and beliveable Environmental Impact Assessment will be forthcoming.

"The protest dissipated at 2pm after tambon council president Damri Chanapak said the proposal had been dismissed."

yes everyone had to leave because it as time to burn their fields...

take a close look at the sign on the left in the photo.

The poster in the pic on the left - appears to show a human form with head on the ground and arse in the air.

What could that be about? Is it saying that someone's gonna be shafted here!

Do they have any idea what they were opposing!

A biomass plant is good news for any locality, jobs, energy, etc.

It's just been delayed until Suthep leaves the monkhood so he can receive his cut!

I wonder if the 3,000 who protested have a plan as to what to do with all the rubbish that would be used to power the plant ?

Perhaps they would accept it being dumped at their place, but no its only another NIMBY thing.

I thought gatherings of more than 5 people were not allowed?