BANGKOK – Thailand’s state-run utility Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) decided on September 4 to suspend its exploration work for a hydropower dam on the Thanlwin River until safety is ensured, but insisted the postponement would not affect Thailand’s energy situation.

EGAT governor Kraisi Karnasuta revealed the proposed US$1-billion Hutgyi project in Myanmar had to be put on hold indefinitely after EGAT employee Samarn Kantameun was killed in an attack on September 2.

He was the second victim after the first fatality, a geologist, stepped on a landmine near the project site in May 2006.

Meanwhile, the other 47 EGAT staff were moved to a safer zone in Myanmar to board a plane EGAT had arranged to transport them to Thailand.

The rebel Karen National Union (KNU) was accused by the Myanmar government of firing weapons into the Thai workers’ camp in Kayin State.
Thai Energy Minister Piyasavasti Amaranand said the dam was a bilateral effort but that the safety of Thai officials was a priority. – TNA