Does PM Prayut realise that protesters are not enemies?
The of citizens protesting against new power plants – be they coal, hydro or nuclear – happens in every country.
It is the job of the standing government to seek an agreement with protesters – who often live close to the project site – before it makes the final decision. If an agreement cannot be reached in a peaceful way, the project must be put on hold for the time being.
That is how it is done everywhere else in the world.
In the US, it is a common sight to see protesters lying down at the thresholds of buildings to obstruct meetings on a new power plant due to take place inside.
Hence, despite his adamant claim that he and his government listen to the people more than any government has in the past, it is still possible that PM Prayut has not heard enough about the abject plight of some citizens.
The PM should be reminded that he has two options for action on this issue: To listen to the protesters with an open mind before he proceeds to the next step, or leave this decision on the Songkhla coal-fired power plant to the next elected government.
Use of force should be regarded by the PM as a no-no.
Chavalit Wannawijitr
Chiang Mai
