Karen villagers’ settlement in Kaeng Krachan National Park sparks public outcry

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PHOTO: Flickr

 

by Mitch Connor

Protests have erupted among local residents in Phetchaburi over the Thai government’s decision to settle 150 Karen villagers in Kaeng Krachan National Park.

 

The controversy was sparked on April 30 when the prime minister issued an order permitting the villagers to return to arable land located deep within the Bang Kloy Bon area of the national park.

 

This decision has been met with widespread backlash, particularly among those invested in the preservation of natural areas and land in the province. Sumol Sutawiriyapat, a former Phetchaburi senator and the president of the Phetchaburi Nature and Environment Preservation Club, has voiced concerns that the forest will be damaged as a consequence of the order. The club has queried the government on this matter but has not received a response.

Sumol explained that multiple generations of Karen villagers have historically lived in the area. Swidden agriculture, their traditional form of rice cultivation, was traded for land deeds and extra support from local authorities. The situation seemed unfair to other residents in neighbouring areas who were not granted the same opportunities, Sumol claimed.

 

Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/karen-villagers-settlement-in-kaeng-krachan-national-park-sparks-public-outcry

 

-- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-05-05

 

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[PETERTHEEATER]

Yes, the Karen have lived there for multiple generations and treated poorly or ignored by successive governments. They, more than the modern residents know how to manage forest lands. Leave them to settle,  they are part of the scenery.

[billd766]

I suspect that the Karens have been living in the forest for a much longer period than the "local" residents, and know far more about preserving the forest too.

 

Local residents = NIMBYs