Previous EIA-EHIA reports on coal-fired power plant in Thai South revoked

BANGKOK, February 28 (TNA) - Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha has ordered the cancelation of the previous environmental impact assessment (EIA) and environmental and health impact assessment (EHIA) reports on a controversial coal-fired power plant in Krabi Province in the Thai South due to concerns over the transparency of then public participation. Government Spokesman Lieutenant General Sansern Kaewkamnerd told journalists on February 27 that the prime minister has instructed the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP), under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, to send a letter to inform the Ministry of Energy to notify the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) to revoke the previous EIA and EHIA reports on the planned coal-fired power plant in Krabi. The spokesman explained that the prime minister is concerned over the transparency of then public participation and asked people who oppose the project to adhere to the law and not to cause turmoil. The cancelation of the previous EIA and EHIA reports on the planned coal-fired power plant in Krabi followed the Thai premier's recent order to renew the EIA and EHIA of the project amid growing opposition against the use of coal on concerns over adverse effects to the local environment and public health. (TNA)