The Tools for Conflict Management of Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) : Case Study Mae Moh Power Plant and the Pak Moon Hydroelectric Dam

Abstract

This research aims to study the origin of the dispute situation and causes of the dispute that takes place during different time and area and to study the tools, methods and techniques that the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) utilizes to manage the dispute. Mainly, this study is based on documentary research and interviews from a study group that includes representatives from public and authorities who relate to the project. Then, this information is analyzed with a method of descriptive comparison. From the study, we found that the dispute of Mae Moh Coal Plant in Lampang started to take place in 1992 from air pollution caused by the operation of the plant. People and living things in the area were impacted. In 1998, air pollution issue was tensed again due to mistakes during the operation of the plant; therefore, locals were impacted once again. The tool, method and technique that the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) utilized to solve the dispute in 1992 and 1998 was the technique of negotiation through compromise and negotiation through public participation. The strategy employed by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) was a win-win strategy which benefited both the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) and public. Therefore, the dispute was lessened quite explicitly in the present. For Pak Mun Hydro Power Plant in Ubonratchathani, the dispute took place from the beginning of the construction until the end of the construction and lived on until now. The tool, method and technique that the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) used to solve the dispute at first was negotiation through compromise then it was changed to negotiation through public participation. In the beginning, the strategy that the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) adopt was a win-lose strategy; however, from 2004 until present, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) has been using the technique of negotiation through participation and changed the strategy to the win-win strategy instead which was better received. Part of the public cooperated and was pleased about the demand and result from the government and the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) while the other part remained unsatisfied. Hence, certain dispute and demand still exist in Pak Mun Dam area in Ubonratchathani up until now.