BKK POST: February 3, 1998: GAS PIP

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BKK POST: February 3, 1998: GAS PIPELINE PROJECT

              Army chief presses
              for a hearing

              Blaming dispute on PTT's PR failure

              Wasana Nanuam

              Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Chettha Thanajaro is pressing
              for a public hearing on the controversial Yadana gas pipeline
              project to end a stand-off between conservationists and pipeline
              supporters.

              Gen Chettha said he agreed with a proposal that the government
              hold a hearing on the Petroleum Authority of Thailand's laying of
              the Yadana gas pipeline through forest in Kanchanaburi as he
              thought both pipeline protesters and supporters had good
              intentions towards the country.

              "To solve the problem, a public hearing should be held.
              Conservationists want to conserve forests and wild animals,
              while the other side looks at things in the long term and wants us
              to have energy to use. More importantly, a contract was made
              and is due for expiry in the next few months," he said.

              He said the problem was caused by the PTT's failure to bring
              about public understanding of the project through public
              relations.

              Gen Chettha insisted that military forces sent to the construction
              site did not take anyone's side and would not use violence
              against the protesters but protect the area from threats by
              outsiders or those wanting to incite chaos.

              Earlier, a group of university lecturers led by Prof Nithi
              Eawsiwong urged Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai to take a
              leadership role and hold a public hearing forum on the Yadana
              gas pipeline project.

              According to the proposal, a committee consisting of
              representatives nominated by both sides will be set up to review
              the pros and cons of the project. The hearing is expected to last
              15 days.

              Pipeline protesters have been sitting-in at the construction site in
              a Kanchanaburi forest since late December.




                                     




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Last Modified: Tue, Feb 3, 1998