Protesters explained about IPP power plant

Demonstrators, meanwhile, threaten to extend their protests with road blockades across the province.

Wannarat said that before the power plant's construction could go ahead, the private sector had to obtain approval for the project's Environmental Impact Assessment report. Without this approval  from the Environment Impact Authority - they could not get a construction licence.

He said also that the ministry could not grant the protesters' request to immediately cancel the project because that would mean the government had breached the signed contract.

Wannarat said the IPP powerplant concession bid reflected anticipated future demands for electricity. If there was no new power plant, electricity demands could not be met, affecting both private and industrial sectors.

While volunteer guards continued to watch people coming in and out of the powerplant site, 200 protesters gathered on Route 304  - ChachoengsaoKabing Buri Road - early yesterday, to be entertained by a musical concert in a carnival atmosphere.

At a new protest site blocking Bang KhlaBang Talad Road since Wednesday night, 300 people gathered in a demonstration that dwindled to 100 later in the night.

Leading protester Sommai Phuto, 48, said the demonstrations would spread- with blockades of Laem Pradu Road, Bang KrajetBan Sang Road, and Nong SanoDon Sinon Road.