More than 2,000 protesters rallied in Rayong yesterday demanding the Industry Ministry put on hold permits for investment projects which have passed the environmental impact assessment (EIA) stage.
The request was lodged with a Rayong deputy governor, and the protesters want a response by today.
"If the provincial administrative authority refuses to do as we ask, we will mount a more hostile movement because we believe the government is violating the constitution," said protest leader Suthi Atchasai.
Industry Minister Chanchai Chairungrueng recently let ministry officials issue permits for projects which had passed the EIA stage of planning.
The minister was acting on advice from the Council of State that approval could be given in such cases.
However, the activists argued that the Council of State was unaccountable to people, and projects potentially damaging to residents' health must also pass a health impact assessment and a public hearing.
Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries Santi Vilassakdanont said the protesters should respect the Council of State's decision.
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