Bangkok: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, has criticized Thailand for what he describes as falling into the NGO trap, urging rational opposition and dismissing protests against government projects. He remarked that those who wish to protest are free to sunbathe in Bangkok if they choose.
According to Thai News Agency, during a recent address, Pipat highlighted the importance of basing opposition to government initiatives on sound reasoning. He specifically mentioned the deep-sea port project in Chana District, Songkhla Province, explaining that the government has a responsibility to present its development plans while the opposition has the right to oppose, provided their objections are well-founded. He warned that objections without proper study could lead to negative consequences for the protesters themselves.
Pipat pointed out that protests and attempts to block government proposals often involve opposition parties and NGOs, resulting in a tendency to label any initiative as an NGO-driven agenda. He called for a focus on what benefits the country rather than opposing everything. He expressed his straightforward approach, stating that he responds directly to challenges.
He further elaborated on the Chana Industrial Estate project, emphasizing that it is not a new initiative but one approved during the government of General Prayut Chan-o-cha, and he believes it should be revived. Addressing the relocation reasons for the second deep-sea port project in Songkhla, Pipat explained that the existing Hua Khao Daeng port is at full capacity, hindering expansion and docking of large ships. The proposed new port and industrial estate in Chana aim to revitalize the economy of the southern provinces, providing local employment opportunities.
In response to social media claims of protest incitement, Pipat stated that he had not observed any protests that morning and invited those interested to express their reasons. He noted that the Land Bridge project has been cancelled and the Southern Economic Corridor project suspended, and reiterated that protestors are welcome to sunbathe in Bangkok, though he admitted using strong language in his statements, which he deemed necessary given the circumstances.