| Bangkok Post July 8, 2000
The panel on the Pak Moon dam controversy
formally presented its recommendations yesterday, but the members were
sceptical what action the government will take.
Interior Minister Banyat Bantadtan promised a response
soon.
Committee chairman Banthorn On-dam handed Mr Banyat a
summary of the findings and recommendations on 16 issues,including eight
dam projects and eight land and forest encroachment conflicts.
Mr Banyat appointed the committee to recommend solutions
to the various complaints by protesting villagers led by the Assembly of
the Poor. Its 45-day mandate expired on Thursday.
Mr Banthorn said the panel hoped for a quick response to
its main suggestion, that all the Pak Moon dam's sluice gates be opened
until end of August "to ease the confrontation". It also wants a
neutral panel to monitor fish migration afterwards.
Mr Banyat agreed to set up a new panel soon. Mr Banthorn
seemed uncertain what form it would take.
Prapas Pintobtaeng, the panel secretary, expressed
concern the new panel would merely repeat the work of the Banthorn
committee. |
