Locals challenge second runway plan at U-Tapao–Rayong–Pattaya International Airport
A second runway at U-Tapao–Rayong–Pattaya International Airport will be built despite opposition from local residents.
Construction of the runway, which is part of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) scheme, will continue as per the guidelines set out by an Environmental and Health Impact Assessment (EHIA), officials have said.
The EEC has organised meetings from March 13-20 at the Ban Chang District Office to discuss the progress of the construction plan for the runway in Rayong’s Ban Chang district.
The meetings will also provide updates on plans to hire consultants for the project and compensate residents who are likely to be affected by noise pollution based on the EHIA’s noise contour map.
During a meeting on Wednesday, Prasert Saengyai, a representative of residents in tambon Samnak Thon in Ban Chang district, submitted a petition to the Rayong governor and EEC secretary-general to call for a halt to the project and cancellation of the EHIA’s noise contour map approved by the government.
The petition also aims to push for a new noise contour map that will provide greater justice and transparency to the affected residents.
Deputy EEC secretary-general Tharit Issarayangyun, who received the petition on behalf of the secretary-general, confirmed residents would be compensated.
He said a survey of the project would be fair as it would be based on input from experts.
However, he said the residents’ complaints are being considered by the Administrative Court, and unless the court issues an order to halt the project, the EEC will push forward with it as per the EHIA report.
In late February, tambon Samnak Thon’s subdistrict headman, Chawalit Romruen, led a protest against U-Tapao airport for causing noise pollution in the area. The protest was joined by over 300 residents.
Source: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2759503/locals-challenge-airport-expansion-plan
