Phuket: The House Land Committee is actively investigating the construction of the "Ao Kung Cruise Ship Pier" after receiving a formal request from a Phuket conservation group concerned about its potential environmental consequences. The Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Land Affairs has been alerted to a lack of clarity surrounding the pier's construction, raising fears about its impact on the environment and the livelihoods of local residents.
According to Thai News Agency, the Vice Chairman of the Committee on Land, Natural Resources and Environment, Mr. Poonsak Chanchanapi, received a petition from Mr. Pradit Puangkes, Chairman of the Ao Kung Mangrove Conservation Group, and his team, led by Mr. Somchart Techathaworncharoen, the Member of Parliament for Phuket Province from the People's Party. The letter called for the release of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report related to the Ao Kung Marina pleasure and sports pier project, urging a delay in granting permissions and a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
Mr. Somchart Techathaworncharoen highlighted that, as a local MP, he has been informed by the community, which has been involved in natural resource conservation for nearly 40 years. The community has expressed concern over the transformation of the mangrove forest into a waterway, with the project area overlapping with public spaces essential for villagers' livelihoods, including access to the sea and the community's Muslim cemetery. Residents have observed discrepancies between government reports and on-ground realities. Consequently, they have compiled information and petitioned relevant authorities for an urgent investigation to prevent further damage to natural resources and the community's way of life. The community fears that delays could lead to irreversible changes to the mangrove forest, seagrass beds, and marine ecosystems, urging cooperation from all sectors to uncover the truth.
Mr. Pradit Phuangkaes mentioned that the issue is currently being investigated by the Committee for Resolving Problems of the Assembly of the Poor, a collaborative effort between the government and the Assembly of the Poor. Notably, the Expert Committee (EC) of the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONREP) approved the EIA report on April 21st. However, the Ban Ao Kung Mangrove Conservation Group argues that the review process was rushed, overlooking community concerns and objections. They also criticized the EIA report for concealing critical information under the guise of personal data privacy and trade secrets, which they believe is crucial for public awareness of the project's environmental impacts.
Mr. Poonsak reassured the public that after receiving the complaint, the committee is committed to expediting the investigation, especially scrutinizing the information and evidence provided by the citizens. Preliminary evaluations suggest numerous issues warrant a detailed probe. The committee intends to ensure accuracy, transparency, and fairness, seeking additional data from relevant agencies to clarify the facts. Mr. Poonsak pledged that the committee will diligently perform its duties, fast-track the investigation's conclusion, and provide clear explanations to the public to ensure justice for all parties involved.