SOUTHERN Economic Corridor Watch (SEC Watch) protesters rallying outside the Government House submitted their petition to a Democrat Party team and some senators urging that the land bridge project be cancelled, Naewna newspaper said last evening (June 23).
The protest, led by Mr. Prasitchai Noonual, leader of SEC Watch, drew a large group of demonstrators from several southern and eastern provinces, including Chumphon, Krabi, Ranong, Prachinburi, and Rayong. Those from eastern provinces joined in to voice their objection to expanding the Eastern Economic Corridor to Prachinburi.
In submitting their petition to the Democrat team led by deputy leader Mr. Korn Chatikavanij, the demonstrators urged that the draft Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) bill, which is currently a hot topic and widely criticised, be dropped because the land bridge project would strongly impact their livelihood, communities, and the environment in the South.
Korn told them that his team would raise their concerns at a party meeting for consideration to find ways to drive sustainable development that meets the needs of the people.
Later Mr. Noraset Prachyakorn, chairman of the Senate Committee on Political Development, Public Participation, Human Rights, Liberties, and Consumer Protection, together with some other senators met the protesters at their camp outside the Government House to receive their petition and listen to their complaints.
Noraset affirmed that he is not against economic development or new economic engines, but sustainable development must begin with the participation of local people and include carefully considered measures to compensate those affected.
“We are not against development, but development should start with the participation of local people and build upon existing resources,” he said.
He added that his committee will channel all their demands to parliamentary mechanisms for consideration and closely monitor progress. He also expressed sympathy for the people who travelled long distances to demand their rights.
CAPTION:
First two images in the slider – Democrat deputy leader Korn Chatikavanij meeting the protesters followed by protesters holding up posters opposing extension of Eastern Economic Corridor to Prachinburi and Senator Noraset Prachyakorn and his colleague likewise meeting protesters.
Insert – Protesters holding a banner opposing the land bridge project.
Front Page – Senator Noraset Prachyakorn and his colleague holding talks with the protesters. All photos – Naewna
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