The Administrative Court Monday accepted a petition filed by an environmental advocate accusing Klong Prem Central Prison’s cooking activities of causing respiratory and allergic diseases among nearby residents and seeking 300,000 baht in compensation.
The case was filed by Srisuwan Janya, president of Stop Global Warming Association Thailand (THAISGWA), on behalf of residents in Prachaniwet 1 housing estate in Chatuchak district.
Mr Srisuwan said his association had received many complaints from people in the community about the affects of the prison’s kitchens which operate throughout the day and at night. This often involved roasting chilies and salt, generating a stench that had health effects.
The residents had complained to Chatuchak district office about the problem but had never received any response.
Mr Srisuwan said he had visited the community and found the residents’ complaints had grounds.
The suit was lodged against the prison’s commander and the director of Chatuchak district office, accusing them of delinquency under the 1992 Public Health Act. It also asked the court to order their agencies to retrospectively pay 15 per cent annual interest on the damages claim.
Corrections Department director-general Suchart Wongananchai admitted that his department had received complaints from the affected residents and he had instructed the prison’s chief to install chimney extractor hoods on the premises. He also ordered his subordinates to talk to and gather information from those affected.
