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Senators: Open the dam gates

Panel backs villagers as talks get underway, Bangkok Post Dec 20, 2002

The Senate committee on public participation will push for the year-round opening of the Pak Moon dam sluice gates as the protesters and Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra sit down for talks today.

Chirmsak Pinthong said the panel's recommendation, based on information from the power authority, would be passed to Mr Thaksin today.

Information from the Electrictiy Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) made it clear the gates could remain open all year in the short term with no detrimental effect on the national supply, Mr Chirmsak said.

``According to the Egat governor, even if the gates remain closed for another three years there will not be any shortage in the power supply,'' he said during a visit to the protesters' campsite.

In earlier reports, Egat insisted the dam gates could not remain open year-round as this would reduce hydro-electric power generation to below the needs of the lower Northeast.

The protesting villagers say opening the gates for only four months a year, as resolved by the cabinet, would not allow the river ecology to recover, the fish would not return and they could not make a living.

The Egat governor was, however, concerned about the situation from 2006-2008, Mr Chirmsak said. It was possible that estimated demand for power was exaggerated and fears of a shortage might not materialise after all.

If Lamtakhong dam could increase its generating capacity, Egat could well have no need of Pak Moon dam.

``In a case of emergency, Egat could close the sluice gates.

``The dam shouldn't be demolished. It should serve as a reminder, the same as the Hopewell foundations,'' Mr Chirmsak said.

The senator also said the government should not be asked to choose between electric power and natural resources, for it would only create friction.

He also criticised Mr Thaksin for brushing off the protesters' advisers.

The prime minister has insisted that no NGO representatives should participate in today's forum, saying he did not want them to put words in the protesters' mouth.

``If the prime minister can bring in his advisers, why can't the protesters?'' the senator said.

The villagers yesterday afternoon submitted the list of 30 representatives to take part in today's meeting. The talks are to begin with representatives of Egat giving their side of the story.

After Egat leaves, dam researchers and villagers will be allowed to have their say. About 50 people are expected at the talks.

Police were gearing up to make sure no unwanted company showed up at the venue, which is Government House.

 
 

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