January 24th, 2006, 17:53
The story of what is happening to the villagers of Laem Pom in the aftermath of the tsunani.
(The Thai government, obsessed with protecting "Thailand's International Reputation" would like to see this settled: keep it quiet.)
www.theage.com.au/articles/2005/03/11/1 ... 88788.html (http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2005/03/11/1110417688788.html)
Facts not mentioned in this article but available in several other on-line articles (Google: Laem Pom Thailand):
The tin mine the villagers worked for went out of business 40 years ago but the workers, and decendents, stayed on, supporting themselves with fishing and farming.
Squatters rights are recognised in Thailand. (If the squatters have occupied the land for ten continuous years.)
The 'mine' (Beach-front property.) was sold to Far East Company in 2002. Far East Company fenced it the day after the tsunami, refusing--Threatening to shoot--to allow villagers to search for their missing and dead.
Ratree recently had an talk (Town Meeting) with Interior Minister, Kongsak Vantara, regarding the dispute. He has promised he will 'investigate."
The 'money baron' who owns the (Thai) developer, Far East Company is, "an influential member of parliament known to use intimidation and violence."
At one community meeting, Opas Svetamani, vice governor of Phang Nga provence, swore when another offical told him the name of the 'alleged' owner. Opas pulled Ratree aside and told her, 'she had to be careful from now on.'
(The Thai government, obsessed with protecting "Thailand's International Reputation" would like to see this settled: keep it quiet.)
www.theage.com.au/articles/2005/03/11/1 ... 88788.html (http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2005/03/11/1110417688788.html)
Facts not mentioned in this article but available in several other on-line articles (Google: Laem Pom Thailand):
The tin mine the villagers worked for went out of business 40 years ago but the workers, and decendents, stayed on, supporting themselves with fishing and farming.
Squatters rights are recognised in Thailand. (If the squatters have occupied the land for ten continuous years.)
The 'mine' (Beach-front property.) was sold to Far East Company in 2002. Far East Company fenced it the day after the tsunami, refusing--Threatening to shoot--to allow villagers to search for their missing and dead.
Ratree recently had an talk (Town Meeting) with Interior Minister, Kongsak Vantara, regarding the dispute. He has promised he will 'investigate."
The 'money baron' who owns the (Thai) developer, Far East Company is, "an influential member of parliament known to use intimidation and violence."
At one community meeting, Opas Svetamani, vice governor of Phang Nga provence, swore when another offical told him the name of the 'alleged' owner. Opas pulled Ratree aside and told her, 'she had to be careful from now on.'