The state power authority delayed its bidding process for a new coal-powered power plant in Krabi as a hunger strike by two protesters continued for a 10th day.
Delaying bids expected to open Wednesday until Aug. 5 was because firms want more information and are not prepared to bid, the power authority said, saying it was unrelated to the protest by locals who say the coal plant and a seaport project will despoil the environment and damage Krabi’s other industries.
An anti-coal coalition has been led most visibly by Prasitchai Nunuan and Akradej Chakjunda, who have been holding a hunger strike in front of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports out in the capital’s Pom Prap Sattru Phai district since July 10.
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand said it saw no problem moving the Krabi project forward and lining up bidders despite the fact its environmental impact reports have yet to be approved.
The military government’s energy plan is heavily dependent on coal, with nine slated for construction, Bangkok Post reports.
Photo: Courtesy No-Coal Krabi
