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Thaksin
takes trip to view Moon river
Defers
decision on opening dam gates
Kultida Samabuddhi - Ubon Ratchathani, Bangkok Post Dec
25, 2002
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra took a helicopter and
boat ride to survey the Moon river yesterday, but deferred a decision on the
Pak Moon dam until his team of researchers provide more information.
He said a decision would be made next month after his researchers finished
gathering additional information in Warin Chamrap, Khong Chiam, and
Sirindhorn districts on the impact of the dam and the locals' demand.
``Even if I have a lot of talks with the villagers and get a first-hand look
at the problem, I still do not know what is the best solution,'' Mr Thaksin
said.
He said he needed more information because the study by Ubon Ratchathani
University, which suggested the dam's sluice gates be opened year-round for
five years, was inconsistent because it contained only opinions of the dam
opponents.
Speaking in Bangkok, Wanida Tanti-witayapitak, adviser to the Assembly of
the Poor, said the trip was useless.
She said the premier had more than enough information to decide that the dam
be opened permanently.
The premier skipped yesterday's cabinet meeting to take the one-day
inspection tour of the river, following a meeting with 30 representatives of
affected villagers at Government House last Friday.
He was accompanied by two villagers, Suwan Mingkwan and Khambo Boonprasit,
who called for the permanent opening of the dam's gates; Deputy Agriculture
Minister Newin Chidchob and Energy Minister Pongthep Thepkanchana.
The helicopter ride took 45 minutes while the group spent 20 minutes taking
a boat ride upstream from the dam. They met and talked with local fishermen.
``I discovered the dam's weak point is that it is not `multi-purpose' as
claimed by Egat [Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand].
``This is because the agencies concerned failed to do their jobs, such as
increasing fish stocks and assisting local fishermen to adapt to the changed
ecosystem,'' Mr Thaksin said.
With assistance from NGOs, the villagers would be able to continue their
lives as fishermen even with the dam.
``NGOs should narrow the gap between state agencies and villagers. I wish
NGOs and the government act as partners in helping villagers affected by
state projects to make a living,'' he said.
Mr Suwan, who accompanied the premier from Bangkok, said he was happy for
the chance to tell Mr Thaksin about the benefits of permanently opening the
dam's gates |
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