Nan conservationists oppose road project
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A conversation group in the northern province of Nan is prepared to seek signatures to oppose a road expansion project.
The Highways Department is expanding a two-lane road linking Nan and Laos to a four-lane road, to cope with more traffic after the Asean Economic Community kicks off. Conservationists said the project would require the cutting of trees aged over 100 years old. Their main concern is on a spot where big old trees form a tunnel-like route.
Prachacharn Malithong, a provincial official of the Highways Department, insisted that 90 per cent of Nan residents approved the project in the first public hearing on November 8, 2013. Another public hearing is scheduled for March 18-19. He said that public opinion does matter. The 1-km tunnel could be conserved, but traffic gridlock will be very likely, he said.
