Govt urged to delay motorway project
Former Democrat Party MP Watchara Petthong urged the junta to delay the Nakhon Ratchasima-Bang Pa-in motorway project, citing the absence of public hearing.
He said that villagers were upset with Finance Minister Apisak Tantivorawong's announcement last week that it was one of 20 projects cleared for investment this year. Some villagers submitted a petition to Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, highlighting the absence of public hearing and environmental impact assessment. They also mentioned that the road was re-designed several times to avoid politicians' land plots. However, as it runs past agricultural fields and creeks, farmers stand to receive only Bt300-Bt500 as expropriation fee.
Watchara noted that the villagers did not oppose the project but asked for a thorough study that takes into account all stakeholders' voice. However, after submitting the letter through the Democrat Party, some were summoned for attitude adjustment at the military base in Nakhon Ratchasima, Watchara said. They were also told to stop their opposition.
The politician urged Apisak to delay the project.
