He said coal-fired power plants were no longer needed to give the country energy security and suggested that the government should instead focus on alternative energy.

“In a few days, the prime minister is going to make a decision on the coal-fired power plant project in Krabi. Let me put it straight. If you decide to build it, and if I become the government again, I’ll cancel it whenever I can,” said Abhisit, who is the Democrat Party leader.

He said the government should instead considering building power plants fuelled by palm oil, which is available in great abundance in the South. He spoke at King Prajadhipok’s Institute.