January 6, 1998 BKK POST:ENVIRONMEN

[suriya@xxxxxxxxxxxx]

January 6, 1998

ENVIRONMENT

Gas pipeline likely to be rerouted 

Oil agency to payfor changes, says minister 



              The controversial Thai-Burma gas pipeline is almost certain to 
              be re-routed.

              Science Minister Yingphan Manasikarn said yesterday that 
              environmentalists would work with the Petroleum Authority of 
              Thailand to choose the new route following an inspection of the 
              area. It would avoid communities and forests.

              The move came as the National Environment Board yesterday 
              met with the PTT representatives and conservation groups.

              The PTT will pay for the extra cost of rerouting, said the 
              minister, adding that delays in construction would cost 20-30 
              billion baht in fines.

              PTT is laying the 260-km route from the Thai border at I-tong 
              Village to a gas power plant in Ratchaburi. 

              Lecturers from Khon Kaen University and Conflict Resolution 
              Institute will talk to protesters in a bid to reach a compromise, 
              added Mr Yingphan. 

              "The project cannot be scrapped," he said.

              Conservation groups were today due to hold a press conference 
              to announce a lawsuit it plans to file against the PTT.