Thailand: Prayut determined to solve energy disputes to foster unity

Thailand: Prayut determined to solve energy disputes to foster unity

Solving conflicts stemming from energy-related issues will be a key part of
the government's efforts to foster national unity, says Prime Minister
Prayut Chan-o-cha.

In his weekly television programme on Friday, Gen Prayut said the government
is not only focused on resolving political conflicts as part of its bid to
build unity but also aims to settle disputes, particularly over
energy-related issues including construction of coal-fired power plants and
waste-to-energy plants.

Any lingering differences and misunderstandings over issues will hinder
cooperation between the state and the people, which in turn will have an
adverse impact on the country's future, the prime minister said.

In January last year, Gen Prayut, in his capacity as the National Council
for Peace and Order leader, issued two orders under Section 44 of the
interim constitution to fast-track several power plant projects stalled by
protests, citing the need to ensure the country's long-term power supply and
improve waste management.

The first order removes legal hurdles to speed up the construction of
coal-fired plants and other power and waste management projects in 10
provinces set to become special economic zones.

The second order exempts power plants, including coal-fired, biomass and
waste-to-energy projects, from complying with past land planning
regulations.

It effectively allows the construction of power plants and related
facilities, oil depots, waste treatment, processing and recycling plants,
and waste-to-energy facilities, among others, in areas that were previously
off limits, such as community and green areas.

Coal-fired plants and special economic zones not only face fierce opposition
from local residents but also many legal hurdles from strict city planning
laws and regulations.

Gen Prayut yesterday also said that the newly established Committee for
National Administration under the Framework of National Reform, Strategy and
Reconciliation, chaired by himself, aims to streamline the government's work
and boost efficiency in steering policies regarding reforms, national
strategies and unity building efforts.

He also said the committee on national reconciliation, led by Deputy Prime
Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, will gather views on how to achieve national
unity from several groups including politicians, academics, civil society,
and the media.

Gen Prawit previously said that several political parties and groups have
accepted an invitation to contribute their ideas regarding reconciliation.

The process of gathering opinions is expected to take about three months.

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Link to Original Article:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/1192801/prayut-determined-to-solve-e
nergy-disputes-to-foster-unity

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John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com