MP demands probe into drilling
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A Democrat MP yesterday lodged a complaint with environment-protection police, demanding immediate investigation into the ongoing oil exploration project in Bangkok's Thawee Watthana district.
Akanat Promphan, who is based in the district, said it was possible that the drilling company had violated two laws – one concerning storage of toxic wastes and the other on factory operations.
Violators of both laws are subject to a prison term of up to 10 years and/or a fine of up to Bt1 million.
The MP was speaking after submitting the complaint to the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division, after a Senate commission asked the Energy Ministry to review its decision to allow the drilling to be continued.
The drilling company has claimed its operation is not violating any laws on fuel storage or the environment. However, local residents have also lodged a complaint with the Central Administrative Court asking that the drill be halted immediately.
