The power projects were located on the east coast of the peninsula, and designed to use imported Australian coal. Local protests had become concerted enough for the government agencies to become nervous about proceeding. Two attempts had been made to told public hearings, which the protesters disrupted on grounds they were dishonest attempts to legitimize the project, not opportunities for reconsideration. The issue had become a spearhead for pressure to introduce proper procedures for environmental and social assessments of projects, including public hearings. Thaksin first officially delayed the projects, and then negotiated with the contractors to shift to alternative sites. These shifts would raise the cost of the projects, but this solution evaded the larger issue of project assessments and public participation.