On December 28, 2020, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Capt. Thammanat Prompao and Deputy Labour Minister Prof. Narumon Pinyosinwat were assigned by Deputy Prime Minister (Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan) to clear the problem of villagers in the Chana district area affected by the “Chana model city, an industrial estate of the future” project, to see the conditions of the Baan Pak Bang Sakom. The visit also aimed to listen to the troubles of a group of over 100 local fishermen and understand the Chana Rak Thain Group leaders to find a solution together.
Prof. Narumon said that Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha and Deputy Prime Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan are concerned about the people who have been affected by the Chana model city, an industrial estate of the future” project, and the conflicts that arose. Thus, the Deputy Labour Minister and Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives were assigned to visit the area to listen to the troubles from implementing the said project and then bring the problems and proposals from the villagers to present to the government. The effort is a collaboration in finding the most beneficial solution to the people in the area. In doing so, the government will find a solution that is acceptable and most beneficial to all.
For the first point, they went to meet representatives of villagers in Ban Suan Kong area, Na Thap, Chana, Songkhla (around Tao Khai Beach) at the most beautiful natural resting point in Chana, Songkhla. They continued onto Taling Chan and Sakom, Chana, Songkhla, to observe local conditions and meet local fishermen at Ban Pak Bang Sakom. At this point, 100 local fishing boats welcomed the visit and shared concerns that may arise when the power plant is being constructed. The third point was Satsatabamrung School, in Ban Na, Chana, Songkhla, where they discussed with the Chana Rak Thain Group leader.
The villagers’ problems and proposals can be divided into three groups, including those that agree upon the condition, those who agree with all conditions, and the opposing group. The first group wants the people to take part in the ownership of building the powerplant, which may be in the form of a company formation to acquire shares. The subcommittee will accept all parties’ proposals to study the possibility of the law and following the Cabinet’s resolution, which will then be proposed to the government for consideration in the next order.
In the first point, they met with villagers of Ban Suan Kong, Na Thap, Chana, which proposed to stop the construction project first, to study various impacts carefully by listening to opinions from all groups of villagers. This would allow more contributions to the recommendation. At this point, there were groups in fisheries, farmers cultivating crops, and cultivating rice fields that are conservation rice (look pla rice). Such construction will affect these professions and have an impact on income and related occupations.
Academic representatives from the Prince of Songkla University, Pattani Campus, said that this power plant is the largest to happen in the south. Therefore, relevant parties should study the information that will support the suitability and value. In the past, the presented information was not enough in building confidence because it was not from education. Therefore, scholars and villagers believed that the construction might not be a southern development or a country development. It was, therefore, suggested that they should go back and review the study again. If there is clear information, it will build confidence among the villagers.
They also met with the “volunteer network for local development” group representing three sub-districts: Na Thap, Taling Chan, and Sakom. The group wants the government to move forward and submitted a letter of support to the Prime Minister.
At the second point, they consulted with the Songkhla Fisheries Association representatives and met with local fishermen. They offered to add value to current professions instead of bringing industrial estates into the area. They said that there should have been a survey of villagers’ opinions because this area is a provincial kitchen with an abundance of seafood.
And the last point, they visited Satsana Bamrung School, Ban Na, Chana, to discuss with the Chana Rak Thain Group leaders. The group commented that most of the villagers did not object to the construction but wants the impact to be studied again to obtain clear information and build confidence among the villagers. A study will also allow all groups of villagers to participate more and reduce conflicts.
“The Prime Minister stressed to listen to both sides, to talk and discuss with reasons. He asked that every sector be involved and assured that there are love and care for all the people. We will find a solution together and will not destroy the lives of the people,” concluded the Deputy Labour Minister.
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Division of Public Relations
28 December 2020
