Rayong people bring demands to Govt House
Play
About 20 members of the Eastern People's Network, led by Suthi Atchasai, gathered in front of the Government House early morning today.
They demanded the government's actions over the blast and fire at BST Elastomers Co Ltd's facility in Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate, Rayong on May 5 as well as gas leak from Aditya Birla Chemicals (Thailand) Co Ltd's facility nearby. They said that such explosion put a large number of villagers in health risk.
Suthi said the government is required to take 9 actions.
First, it must reveal facts concerning the explosions and fire to the general public, including the handling process and the number of casualties.
Second, the government and industrial operators must strictly enforce the safety measures under the 2010-2014 guidelines.
Third, rehabilitation measures on environment and health must be carried out.
Fourth, set up a fair and systemic rehabilitation process for all affected.
Fifth, launch legal actions against negligent government units.
Sixth, enforce a city plan, which must include buffer areas.
Seventh, enlist hazardous chemicals and pollution emission and educate communities on chemicals.
Eighth, reveal the names of members of the tripartite committee in charge of industrial plant inspection.
Last, suspend investment in petrochemical industry in and out of industrial estates.
After the Government House, the villagers went on to Parliament, where a petition was submitted to Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Environment, asking for the suspension of industrial estate construction in eight tambons in Rayong. They would also seek help from the Human Rights Commission.
