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Published on January 27, 2008

Police did not find him at his home yesterday morning.

However, a source said Bamrung had been arrested and taken to a safe house because of concerns the suspect is in danger from angry villagers.

Police seized a licensed weapon owned by Bamrung and found at his home.

He said leaders of the opposition to the mill had fled the area after receiving death threats from the local mafia. He said the threats had come from people who would benefit from the construction of the steel mill.

"The project is very expensive, billions of baht, and involves many local business and construction companies.

"Our opposition could cost them huge amounts of money, but we insist the project must be transparent and inspected by the public," he said.

"A public forum into the steel mill must be held soon. It's necessary for the public to know why the company is building drainage canals without an environmental-impact assessment," Supoj Soengsiang, another opponent, said.

"We suspect Sahaviriya's claim that the canals are for flood prevention to be a trick to get around the pact assessment," he said.

The Midnight University yesterday issued a statement condemning local police for allowing the clash to occur.

"Such violent confrontation is avoidable, but there was an intention [on the part of the police] to allow it to occur, and we condemn this and the bias of the authorities in supporting the investors.

"We insist local residents have the legal right to protect their natural resources and environment," the statement read.

The Nation