Protesters yesterday condemned those involved in the Thai-Malaysian gas pipeline project in Songkhla's Chana district for ignoring a request by the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) to temporarily suspend the laying of the pipeline from a gas separation plant to Chana power plant.

In their statement, the demonstrators insisted they had the right to oppose the development project, which involves Chana power plant and a pier serving the pipeline, along with a planned 21,465-rai industrial estate, but many protesters were harassed by government officials and face legal action.

The Chana gas-separation plant, pipelines and power plant affected locals in various ways including a breach of Islamic principles by the laying of the pipeline through what they call holy soil near Ban Pa Ngam mosque, along with sewage and foul smells from the gas-separation plant. This prompted 300 Ban Pa Ngam villagers to file a complaint on May 12 with ISOC chief of staff Maj-General Chamlong Khunsong, who sent a written request on May 16 to PTT to suspend the project, the statement said.

Despite its privatisation, PTT still has power over government officials, the statement said, noting that PTT and the Songkhla governor had set up a committee composed of people who support or have interests in the distribution of gas to Chana power plant according to the Office of Natural Resources and Environment Policy and Planning guidelines. The protesters reject this committee's solutions. The Chana district chief has also sent border-patrol police to help the project work, they said.

Declaring the behaviour of the Songkhla governor and Chana district chief attempts to suppress dissent for the company's gain, the statement praised the ISOC's understanding of the issue and regard for the country's benefit, peace and security.

The group condemned PTT's dismissal of the ISOC request and vowed to protect their rights, lifestyle and religion from attack by PTT, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, the Songkhla governor and the Chana district chief.

Meanwhile, 300 members of the Udon Conservation group yesterday morning paraded at Udon Thani's Thung Sri Muang Stadium, protesting against the potash mine that Italain-Thai Development is applying for a permit to operate. They launched verbal attacks on the company, Interior Ministry inspector Jareuk Prinyapol, and former Udon Thani governor Wittaya Suthornwipat and his deputies, before burning effigies of the company executives and the government officials involved.

The Nation

SONGKHLA