Permatamas affirms opposition against the construction of coal power plant

SONGKHLA, Feb 21 (TNA) -- The Permatamas, an environmental and community rights protection group, has reaffirmed its stance against the construction of the coal power plant and plead to the state to halt all constructions of coal power plants across the country. Permatamas member Issares Hayeeday, together with environmental and rights protection network from the Thai south have gathered in the Bang Ling community of Pak Bang subdistrict in Thepha district of Songkhla province to read out an announcement to stop all coal operations in Thailand. The statement read that coal power plants cause pollution to the environment, communities and health of the people, and so all constructions of such facility should be banned from Thailand. The statement stressed that electricity should be generated through clean energy to ensure safe and clean future for the next generations, not to continue the upholding of coal industry. Since the construction of the Krabi Coal Power Plant has been halted for further studies on the Environmental Health Impact Assessment (EHIA), the network would like to ask the government whether other projects which the people do not disagree with, would also be reconsidered or not, in order to mete out the same justice and standard for all. Mr Issares, nonetheless, confirmed Permatamas' stance to oppose the construction of all coal power plants and to turn to alternative energy which would not have any effects on the environment and the people. (TNA)