Thailand to alter gas pipeline route

The Thai government says it will alter the route of a gas pipeline between Thailand and Burma to avoid environmental damage to a forest in the western province of Kanchanaburi.

The science and environment minister, Yingphan Manasikarn, said the pipeline would be shortened by about two kilometres and that the costs of the measure would be paid for by Thailand's Petroleum Authority.

But Thai environmental groups say the pipeline will still cause damage to the forest and that they are beginning a lawsuit against the government to stop its completion.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service