Thailand: Proposed Burapa Power Plant project raises social and environmental concerns; Fossil Free Thailand demands clarity over investment links, incl. cos. responses & non-responses
Fossil Free Thailand, a coalition of civil society organizations from Thailand and across Asia voices concerns over the proposed 600 MW Burapa Power Project in Thailand, a natural gas-fired plant, that could pose social and environmental risks to communities. Alleged environmental concerns include contradictions with IEA guidance on new unabated gas projects, the project's significant daily water requirement in a water-stressed region, and outdated air quality assessments. Additionally, social risks such as resource conflict and flawed community consultation processes have allegedly led to local resistance.
Fossil Free Thailand also published a list of companies and banks – both signatories to UN Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) and non-PRB - that may allegedly involve in the proposed project development including financing the project. However, Fossil Free Thailand are not certain about the investment and business links to these companies and banks.
In December 2025 and January 2026, Business and Human Rights Centre invited Bank of Ayudhya, Bank of China, Government Savings Bank, ICBC, Kasikorn Bank, Mizuho, Natixis, SMBC, Societe Generale, Standard Chartered, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust, Bangkok Bank, CIMB, DZ Bank, Export-Import Bank of Thailand, Krungthai Bank, Land and House Bank, OCBC, Siam Commercial Bank, and TMBThanachart Bank to respond to allegations. Natixis, Societe Generale, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Standard Chartered and Mizuho Financial Group responded but the others did not. Their responses and non-responses are available in the story’s timeline.