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| Southeast Asia |
| Thailand goes ahead with oil pipeline despite Muslim protests |
| 2002-12-25 |
| IslamOnline Bloody clashes between police and protesters in Hat Yai last Friday night, December 20, did not stop the decision by the Thai government to go ahead with the Thailand-Malaysia gas pipeline. Thai observers described last Friday's clashes between around 1000 demonstrators and police as appalling, adding that the more horrifying thing was the arrogant reaction of Thai leaders. Infidels aren't allowed to be arrogant around the Master Religion... The confrontation left nearly 100 anti-gas pipeline protesters and 16 policemen injured. Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra blamed the protesters and quickly sided with the police. National police Chief Sant Sarutanond, laughing in front of TV cameras, justified the use of force by saying the protesters were carrying "weapons", Bangkok Post reported. When they're carrying "weapons" it's to "intimidate" people who don't agree with them. Or people who just aren't Muslims... The Thai-Malay gas pipeline project seems hit by glitches that have stopped its progression since its inception in 1999. Marred by protests and a refusal by the authorities to consider the environmental impact of the lives of millions in the Thai southern region, the project will go ahead, Thaksin said. The project is worth $500 million and is very important in Thai-Malay relations; it is one of the major projects between both nations that have the complete support of Malaysian Premier Mahathir Mohamad. Presumably, the Thai and Malay governments have sat down and considered what the impact will be and what the benefits will be, and decided to go ahead with the project, since the benefits will outweigh the detriment. That's usually what governments do. Thai villagers from Chana, who were reportedly against the project, are mostly Muslims. Women were also present in the protests. The brazen hussies! Why weren't they home with their children! I'll bet they weren't even fully veiled! |
| Posted by:Fred Pruitt |