Bloody clashes took place between police and demonstrators, who were protesting against the construction of a new power plant. The new coal-fired power plant was due to be built in Pracuab Khiri Khan province, south of the resort town of Hua Hin, by a us firm Gulf Electric. The clashes left at least 70 people injured along Thailand's main north-south motorway. The protesters' blockade of the motorway was lifted after a cabinet minister promised that the plants -- one of the country's first privately-owned electricity generating stations -- would not be built.
Residents of the area fear that they will suffer like the residents inhabiting areas around Mae Moh power plant in north Thailand. There the villagers suffered from lung diseases, birth defects and water was also polluted. One of the protesters, Chintana Keakoa, said she did not believe the government's assurances but wanted to prevent violence.
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