Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has warned opponents of the controversial coal-fired power plant project in Krabi against their plan to rally at Government House this Friday, arguing the move would violate the law.
The warning came as protesters, who formed the Network of Saving the Andaman, gathered at the riverside Mud Crabs Sculpture in Krabi's Muang district to read a statement which said they would "stay at Government House until the plan is scrapped".
Gen Prayut said their protest, which has caused delays in the 800-megawatt power plant project since 2015, has not fallen on deaf ears, so he sees no reason for the group to come to Bangkok.
The Energy Ministry will meet this Friday to decide whether to push ahead with the project, and if not, what other options there could be, the prime minister said.
"I ask you not to come to Bangkok. That will violate laws and there will be action taken against [you]," Gen Prayut said, adding the law states the National Council for Peace and Order prohibits mass public gatherings for political purposes.
The coalition of villagers and local businessmen insisted Tuesday it would go to Government House as planned.