Yadana project flawed, says Anand

[mandalay@xxxxxxxxxx]

Yadana project flawed, says Anand

Feb. 16, 1998
The Nation

THE Yadana gas pipeline project has flaws but the final responsibility
would rest with the government on how to deal with them, Anand Panyarachun,
chairman of the national panel to review the controversial construction,
said Sunday. 

Speaking after the second day of hearing, Anand said his panel would
identify areas of weaknesses in the project in its final report to enable
the government to form a decision. 

Meanwhile, the Petroleum Authority of Thailand (PTT), the project owner,
reiterated its warning that the construction delay could cost the country
US$560 million in added financial burden. 

Anand's panel, established by the government on Feb 12, was charged with
reviewing the Yadana project in a bid to resolve an impasse between the PTT
and environmental advocates who oppose the pipeline route through the
Kanchanaburi forest. 

As PTT representatives testified about the project and its possible
environmental impact, Anand and panel members expressed concern about the
PTT's commitment for afforestation and its preparations for environmental
preservation. 

The panelists also requested more information on the decision-making
process in planning and implementing the project. 

When PTT public relations chief Songkiat Thansamrit briefed the panel about
how the PTT planned to contract the Forest Industry Organisation to cut
down trees in order to clear the construction route, Anand interjected that
the PTT should closely supervise the operation because of its serious
impact on the environment. 

Panel member Suraphol Sudara reminded the authority of its earlier
commitment to educate the villagers on wildlife protection and preservation. 

PTT official Piti Yimprasert claimed that the gas pipeline project could
help the country save at least Bt700 million per day in lieu of using other
energy sources. He also warned of financial losses if the project is delayed. 

In responding to questions on the project background, Piti conceded that
the project was approved by the first Chuan Leekpai administration and that
PM's Office Minister Savit Bhotiwihok was then in charge of scrutinising it. 

He sidestepped a question on human rights consideration by pointing out
that the pipeline route passing through the Myanmar-Thai border at Ban
E-tong was chosen because the Myanmar authorities guaranteed security. 

PM's Office Minister Supatra Masdit disclosed that the panel would continue
its hearings from Tuesday till Wednesday. She said that the hearings, to be
broadcast live by Radio Thailand, would change the format by inviting PTT
representatives and environmentalists to testify at the same time. 

In the past two hearings, proponents and opponents of the project
separately presented their views to the panel. The hearing will conclude on
Feb 24. 

Pipop Thongchai, political activist and environmental advocate, Sunday
claimed that the PTT had misinformed the public on the construction
deadline. It previously insisted that July was the deadline although Piti
now conceded that the contract had specified August for project completion,
he said.