Ban Dong group petitions Red Bull to build controversial beverage factory

The residents were reacting to a declaration by KTD Property Development Co Ltd last week to cancel plans to build and operate a factory in Tambon Ban Dong of Khon Kaen’s Ubolrat district after the approval process for the operation was put under close scrutiny.
However, Nithi Pengsuk, a representative of the subsidiary of Red Bull Group, said its executive board would stick to its most recent decision to relocate a planned non-alcoholic beverage manufacturing factory elsewhere. He would also pass on the people’s petition for the executive board's consideration.
Monday’s signature-signing event at the community hall, and related gathering outside the factory construction site, were arranged by the Tambon Ban Dong Development Group led by Samai Sai-onta.
“People think the factory would bring development to the area and that cancelling the operation would affect the locals and the economy," he said, adding that the group didn’t pressure anyone to sign the petition.
Ubolrat district chief Natthapat Ploysupa warned people not to set up a temporary stage to launch speeches, as it would breach the National Council for Peace and Order's ban of gathering in public places while Thailand was still in mourning for HM the late King Rama IX's death.
He said people should remain peaceful and send representatives to submit the petition to the firm.
Khon Kaen land officials on Monday carried out a survey of a road built by the firm that had sparked a controversy about whether it was blocking a public path and had been approved following proper procedures.