Bhumjaithai backs Thanarat Road expansion project

BANGKOK, 7 June 2010 (NNT) – The coalition Bhumjaithai Party has voiced support to the controversial project of the Ministry of Transport to expand Thanarat Road leading to Khao Yai National Park as the party deems the project beneficial for the public.

Interior Minister Chavarat Charnvirakul stated that the project could help develop the communities and added that road expansion could help reduce accidents. He believed that the project would not affect the environment because the trees cut are not in the forest areas.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva recently ordered the project suspended. Mr Chavarat however deemed it common because of protests made by the public against the project.

Meanwhile, Transport Minister Sopon Zarum said he personally would like the project to move on because it would be beneficial for the public rather than harmful. He said putting a halt to the project would affect other projects linking with the national park as it would set standard for protest groups.

The public has been protesting the road expansion project as the trees along the road must be cut down for construction amid concerns over environmental impact and the status of the park as a world heritage site.