Park area that villagers say is theirs surveyed

By NILA SINGKHIRI 
THE NATION

 

File photo

 

A SURVEY team tasked with resolving allegations that farms in three villages are encroaching on the Pha Taem National Park in Ubon Ratchathani’s Khong Chiam district, inspected the 19 demarcation poles that had been put up by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation in 1991.

 

Representatives from the three affected villages – Ban Kum, Ban Ta Mui and Ban Tha Long – joined the survey team in yesterday’s operation. The team comprised officials from the Tambon Huai Phai Administration, district and park officials as well as Army officers.

 

On November 23, representatives of the three villages turned to the Ubon Ratchathani governor saying that the park chief, Nakarin Suthatto, had filed a police complaint against six villagers for allegedly encroaching on 5-rai (0.8 hectares) of conserved forestland. However, the villagers say they have been farming this land for nearly 100 years, well before the park was created. 

 

In response to the complaint, the provincial authority assigned a team to survey the territory to ensure justice for all sides. 

 

Before surveying the 8-kilometre stretch, Nakarin had the villagers take an oath to confirm they were telling the truth. 

 

The team found 19 demarcation poles, though some had toppled over, as well as some signs reading “national park territory” on large trees and faded territorial paint marks on stones. The faded marks were repainted and demarcation poles put up again. 

 

Team leader Amnuay Hanprap said the officials were trying to determine the old demarcation line that the villagers claim existed, and have so far only found demarcation poles at the foot of the mountain. The team will gather information and file a report with the provincial governor offering solutions soon. 

 

Former park employee Banhan Chanla, who personally helped erect the demarcation poles, explained that the demarcation had been done in 1991 after park officials reached an agreement with villagers that they could farm from the foot of the mountain to the Mekong River. He said the park begins from the foot of the mountain upwards. 

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30362695

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2019-01-22

48 minutes ago, webfact said:

However, the villagers say they have been farming this land for nearly 100 years,

laws ? greater good ? what is all that nonsense ? encroachment in thailand is a national sport

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Before surveying the 8-kilometre stretch, Nakarin had the villagers take an oath to confirm they were telling the truth. 

Well that's bound to sort it out then.