Jintana Kaewkao

Jintana Kaewkao (Thai: จินตนา แก้วขาว; , born 1962) is an environmental activist from Thailand. She is known for her activism against the building of power plants in her coastal village Ban Krut, Prachaub Khiri Khan, Thailand.

Early life In 1982, at 20 years old, Kaewkao moved to Ban Krut. She married a local man, opened a small grocery store, and had 3 children. In her earlier years, Kaewkao was not well-known for her activism, but continued to be involved in anti-power plant movements.

Powerplant conflict with Union Power Development Company Ltd In 1998, the Union Power Development Company Ltd. (UPDC) developed a project to build a coal-fired power plant in Ban Krut. This project received funding from foreign investors from the USA, Hong Kong, and Japan. It would allow for the development of a tourist resort in Ban Krut, whilst the company would cut down 10,000 coconut trees and develop a 1.4 GW coal power-plant.

The project was proposed to satisfy Thailand’s increasing energy demands. Analysts have explained that coal has been viewed by the Thai government as a way of creating enough energy for the country, as natural gas on its own has not been enough to keep up with its development.

Kaewkao’s movement In order to fight back against UPDC, Kaewkao went to nearby villages, gathered villagers in markets, and urged them to sign petitions against the development of the power plant. In 1998, she organized a march on the South Highway with the people of Prachaub Khiri Khan. In 2001, she took supporters into UPDC headquarters. She also purchased UPDC’s stocks to voice her opinion as a shareholder. Currently, there remains abandoned buildings where the project was to take place. Kaewkao proceeded to negotiate land rights to ensure that Ban Krut would be protected from future power-plant projects. Kaewkao has continued to be imprisoned for her activism against government and corporate executives. In 2001, 2002, 2008, and 2009, she was attacked by gunmen in her village. She has also been internationally recognized by Asian Human Rights Commission and Greenpeace.