Widespread protests against pro-GMO bill

Government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd meets representatives of groups opposing the Biosafety Bill, that will legalise the use of GMOs in plants and animals. (Photos by Seksan Rojjanametakun)

Biosafety legislation is needed to control the use and spread of genetically modified organisms the government insisted on Wednesday, as protests were held in Bangkok and many provinces against a pro-GMO bill the cabinet has approved in principle.

Government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd met representatives of 122 networks of the people, farmers and businesses at Government House, where they submitted a petition to the prime minister opposing the Biosafety Bill on Wednesday morning.

Maj Gen Sansern said genetically modified seeds and plants were available in Thailand, but with no law to control their use it would be difficult to hold someone responsible for their misuse.

The cabinet had therefore approved in principle legislation to ensure their safe use and establish clear inspection measures. The bill had been referred to the Council of State for a review and opinion on what changes need to be made to the legislation.

He said the Council of State would propose amendments to the bill, which would later be tabled in the National Legislative Assembly. The NLA could then set up a committee to scrutinise the legislation, including inviting both advocates and opponents of GMOs to provide information.

“There are both supporters and opponents of legislation. If we cannot begin a process to hear from both sides, we cannot move forward. So those opposing the issue should understand that the government will take into account your information,” said Maj Gen Sansern.

“If the legislation is not good, then I believe the NLA will not pass it into law,” he added. (continued below)

A group protesting against the pro-GMO bill gather at Government House on Wednesday morning.

There were protests against the bill in many provinces on Wednesday, including Mahasarakham, Uttaradit, Songkhla, Pha Yao, Chiang Mai, Chachoengsao, Chai Nat, Satun, Surat Thani and Phuket.

Representatives of a group representing alternative farming in Isan, and another 22 peoples' networks, gathered in front of the Mahasarakham city hall and submitted a petition to the provincial governor.

They said the introduction of GMOs would have an adverse affect on farmers, consumers and businesses.

They asked the government to set up a committee comprising representatives of the affected parties to improve the bill before it is forwarded to the NLA. The committee should integrate recommendations from the National Economic and Social Development Board and the Commerce Ministry.

Protests elsewhere submitted similar petitions and expressed similar concerns about the impact of GMO crops and animals on health, the environment and bio-diversity.



