Environmental Conflicts from Mega Development Projects in Thailand: A Case Study of Krabi Coal-Fired Power Plant Expansion Project

Abstract

This research aims to study the causes of environmental conflicts and the process of public participation and propose ways to promote and support the process of public participation in environmental conflict management of Krabi coal-fired power plant’s expansion project. The data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with stakeholders in Krabi province and the use of public records.

The study revealed that the environmental conflicts were caused by data conflicts, conflicts of interest, structural conflicts and relationship conflicts. For the public participation process, it was found that although most people had access to a variety of information channels, they tended to receive inaccurate, unclear and insufficient details, resulting in the project’s lack of credibility. Also, the public was not given the opportunity to take part in making decisions from the beginning of the process because their participation mostly remained at the consultation level and merely involved public comment in a forum. The study also offers recommendations for the state and people sectors. For the state sector, in order to promote and support the process of public participation in managing environmental conflicts, consideration should be given to the amendment of relevant laws. Public health information systems should also be improved to provide people with a better understanding of health topics that are particularly important to them. In addition, project developers should establish funds for environmental and health impact assessments, while giving stakeholders accurate, clear and adequate information and allowing external agencies to examine and observe operations. Meanwhile, people should also learn to use things around them as their knowledge sources and be aware of their rights and responsibilities in participating in various development processes.