Residents of Khao Hin Son Subdistrict and the “Chachoengsao RE-Power” network today kicked off a 125-kilometer peaceful march from the site of the recently licensed Burapa Power Plant to Government House in Bangkok. The seven-day march aims to pressure the government to cancel the new gas power plant and demand a genuine energy transition for Thailand.
The protest was organized following the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC)’s decision on October 15, 2025, to approve an electricity generation license for the project. According to the network, this approval was granted despite a prior promise from the ERC office to visit the area on October 22 to examine current environmental and social conditions and conduct meaningful public consultations.
The network had previously submitted a written request to the ERC, questioning the commission’s rushed action on the controversial project and demanding a transparent and fair process that respects the community’s right to participation.
Community members state that the construction and operation of Burapa power plant pose severe risks to their livelihoods, economy, and environment. Key concerns include:
- A Flawed Approval Process: The ERC approved the project license on October 15, a week before its own promised field visit and community consultation on October 22.
- Outdated Environmental Data: The project’s approval relies on an outdated Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) from 2019-2020. Residents argue this EIA fails to reflect current, severe pollution levels, as the area is already exposed to PM2.5 levels at orange to red alerts for more than 160 days a year.
- Economic & Energy Redundancy: The project is being pushed forward even as Thailand’s electricity reserve margin is over 40%. Furthermore, renewable energy sources are now consistently cheaper than natural gas.
Organizers argue the project is a major backward step for global climate action. As a major driver of greenhouse gas emissions, fossil gas delays the critical effort to limit global warming to 1.5°C. Communities in Chachoengsao are calling not only for the protection of their homes but also for a future that is clean, safe, and just for everyone.
Upon arrival in Bangkok, residents will submit a letter to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who also serves as Chair of the National Energy Policy Committee (NEPC). The letter demands the immediate suspension of the Burapa Power Plant project. a full investigation into the Energy Regulatory Commission’s approval process to ensure compliance with the Energy Industry Act, and an immediate commitment from the government to advance Thailand’s just energy transition away from new fossil fuel projects.
The “Chachoengsao RE-power” network invites environmental organizations, academics, and citizens around the world to stand in solidarity. An invitation to sign on in support of the call to stop the Burapa Gas Power Plant and push Thailand toward a truly Just Energy Transition.