Big trouble in little ChanaA quick look at the cabinet resolution on plans for the controversial Chana industrial complex in Songkhla province could lead many to believe that the government pays heed to local concerns and is taking a step back. The villagers also called for participatory strategic impact assessments to map out an appropriate development strategy for Chana. Opponents, including Dr Supat Hasuwannakit, director of Chana Hospital, insisted that the government must go back to the drawing board and revoke its earlier green light. The activists are also challenging the project's legitimacy and allege that the consideration process was tainted from the very beginning. There is certainly a long journey ahead before this dispute is resolved but any development without local participation will only be destined to fail.

Source: Bangkok Post December 15, 2020 22:52 UTC