Thailand

"We’re not intimidated by the killing of Charoen Wataksorn. We’re determined to continue the struggle for our land." - Community leader Jintana Kaewkhao, who worked with environmentalist Charoen Wataksorn, July 2004, in "Barn Grood community will continue the struggle for their land!" Wataksorn, murdered on June 21, 2004, was one of the leaders involved in the Thai government's decision to shelve the Bo Nok (also called Bor Nok) Coal Power Plant (a project JBIC may finance). He was killed on his way home from testifying against powerful figures involved in corrupt community land grabs related to the power project. In late 2004 the Thai government announced the plant will go on-stream in 2007.

Charoen Wataksorn. Photo Credit: Greenpeace- SE Asia

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* Important Background Documents on Thailand
* Coal Projects Summary
* News Items 2004-05

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Important Background Documents:

Chronology of Anti-Power Plants Movement in Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand to 2003

New Showdown Over Coal 2000 by the National Wildlife Federation

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Coal Projects Summary:

Banner in the meeting area on the Hin Krut land: "We Fight to Win"

Coal projects run by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) often receive financial backing from ECAs, especially JBIC, the Japanese ECA. Such projects include BLCP, Ratchaburi, Hin Krut, and Bo Nok. All are heavily criticized for the impact coal plant emissions have on the air and water. Local residents never have a say in the development of the power plants and these projects are always met with protests by the community.

Hin Krut Coal-Fired Power Plant Project March 5, 2002 by Mekong Watch

Hin Krut Study Rejected January 14, 2000

Thailand UPDC PROJECT, HIN KRUT, Coal fired Power Plant by FOE Japan

Bor Nok Coal-Fired Power Plant Project March 5, 2002 by Mekong Watch

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News 2004-2005:

Greenpeace Disrupts Construction of JBIC-Supported Thai Coal Plant April 21, 2005