Anti coal power plant protesters held in line with law: Government spokesman

BANGKOK, Feb 18 (TNA) -- Three protesters to the government plan to build a coal-powered plant in the southern province of Krabi are being detained and will be sent for trial at the civil court next Monday, said a spokesman to the Prime Minister’s Office. Opponents to the plan tried to storm in to the Government House on Friday after the green light was given by the government to construct the coal-powered power plant in the resort province of Krabi. But they were forced back by policemen guarding the Government House. Many people agree with the plan as it would cater to the rising demand for electricity in the South while coal transportation would not affect fishing trawlers and tourism business in the province in future, said spokesman Lt Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd. A proposal for the new plant to use palm oil instead of coal would be more expensive, said Lt Gen Sansern. Presently, the power plant in Krabi uses bunker oil which costs 3.78 baht per unit while it would cost 8.42 baht a unit on using palm oil, he said. The plant is now using bunker oil mixed with palm oil in producing electricity for the province. Using only palm oil for producing electricity should be a temporarily measure such as in case of emergency, Lt Gen Sansern added. (TNA)