Bangkok Post : Power plant protesters get six months in prison

CHIANG RAI : The Chiang Rai Court on Friday sentenced 13 demonstrators to six months' jail for leading their supporters to block a road while rallying against the planned construction of a power plant.

The rally was held on July 2 in protest against the building of a privately-run biomass-fired power plant in Wiang Chai district. Each of the 13 defendants - including two women - were also fined 100 baht for blocking the Mae Korn intersection on Phahon Yothin Road and using loudspeakers in a public place without official permission.

The court said such action by the 13 was troubling and showed their disrespect for the law.

Initially, the court had handed them a one-year jail and 200 baht fine, but the punishment was reduced due to their confessions.

The court, however, granted them bail so they could prepare their appeal.

Wiang Chai district chief officer Somchai Rungsakhon said more talks were needed to resolve the conflicts between villagers and the company.

As there were also locals who supported its construction, the company agreed to allow residents of five villages around the plant's construction area to sit on an panel to monitor environmental damage, said Mr Somchai.