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Published on September 6, 2007

He questioned whether the site where the group wants to build the large petrochemical complex was appropriate, saying there was a limit to the area's capacity to handle toxic emissions.

"It's not about the power plant. Problems lie with the site," he said. "IRPC should drop the investment plan."

Protesters yesterday submitted a written proposal to Piyasvasti, asking him to investigate the site and to listen to locals' problems if the plant was constructed there.

Sutthi Atchasai, a protest leader, also demanded the minister appear at the rally before the group ends its road blockade. About 3,000 protesters boarded about 200 pickup trucks to camp in front of Rayong City Hall, waiting to hear when Piyasvasti would visit.

Most dispersed after Rayong Governor Polawat Chayanuwat said PTT, the major shareholder in IRPC, had no policy to invest in a power plant in Rayong and that IRPC would be unable to submit a bid on October 19.

Piyasvasti said, separately, he could only get involved once the company submitted a bid to generate power as an independent power producer.

But public consent was part of the environmental impact assessment process, so IRPC would not be allowed to sign an agreement with the government, he said.

IRPC chief executive Piti Yimprasert said the company might not be ready to submit a bid on October 19. "But preparation is necessary for future investment. This will benefit the country in terms of fuel variety. Meanwhile, if our investment is blocked, it would not affect the company's revenue."

Piti said he was ready to join a televised debate to express his opinions but would not seek a meeting with protesters.

The Nation