Bangkok: PM denies army seeks energy control
PM denies army seeks energy control
PM blames activists for national oil corporation push
The government has dismissed claims that the military will seek to control national energy resources via a national oil corporation (NOC) proposed under the new petroleum bill, and is blaming an energy activist group for pushing the controversial energy body.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said Tuesday that efforts had been made to push for the bill before the military took power in 2014 but that these had stalled due to various groups trying to push their demands on energy issues.
Gen Prayut made a direct reference to the People’s Alliance for Energy Reform (PAER), with key members including former senator Rosana Tositrakul, ML Kornkasiwat Kasemsri, former finance minister Thirachai Phuvanatnaranubala, and Parnthep Pourpongpan, a former co-leader of the People’s Alliance for Democracy.
For the NOC to be set up, its proponents should propose another bill with sufficient information backing it up, Mr Manoon said. “If you’re honest, why add the provision to the bill in an irregular way?” (3.29.9.Bangkok Post.3/27/17)
