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Korn softens stance over Yadana gas



Subject: Korn softens stance over Yadana gas pipeline 

10 Jun 1997 

The Nation 

Korn softens stance over Yadana gas pipeline 

IN a move to defuse strong opposition against the Yadana gas pipeline project, 
Deputy Prime Minister Korn Dabaransi said yesterday the government would 
modify the project. 

Korn, who is also industry minister, said the width of six-kilometre strip of 
land that would be used for the gas pipeline would be reduced from 20 metres 
to about 12 to 15 metres to minimise the number of trees that would have to be 
cut. 

To save trees that are along the route of the pipeline, Korn said the trees 
would be removed and later replanted in the area. 

The decision came after a meeting of government authorities involved in the 
project, including the Petroleum Authority of Thailand (PTT) and the Forestry 
Department. 

Agriculture Minister Chucheep Harnsawat also attended the meeting, which came 
just a day before opponents and supporters of the projects were to attend a 
meeting to be chaired by Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh. 

The Yadana project, to connect Burma's offshore gas field in the Martaban gulf 
with a power plant in Kanchanaburi province, become controversial because 
pro-environmental groups claimed that the project would pass through thick 
forests. Added to the controversy is Burma's military junta, which many fear 
would use forced labour to construct the project on Burmese territory. 

Korn said that the project would begin soon. 

''Any move to clear the area for the gas pipeline will be implemented after 
the rainy season," Korn said. He was confident that yesterday's decision would 
not affect contracts between the PTT and Burma. 

Korn said the PTT would accept any expense incurred due to changes to the 
plan. 

Referring to the meeting scheduled for today, Korn said it would be an 
opportunity for supporters and detractors of the pipeline to examine the 
available information and discuss the possible adverse effects the project 
might have on villagers and the environment. 

Meanwhile, a pro-environment group, the so-called Anurak Muangkarn, submitted 
a letter to the House Committee on the environment yesterday, opposing the 
Yadana project. 

The group said that the project would badly affect local people and the 
environment. 

Committee member Ong-art Klampaiboon, who received the letter, told reporters 
later that the committee would invite Korn, the PTT governor and the Forestry 
Department's director general to explain the issue before the committee.