The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is raising concerns about a hotel project planned for Phuket's Rawai Beach, suggesting it could negatively affect the indigenous Moken community. Often known as "sea gypsies", the Moken people have lived on this land for generations, with their claim predating that of a property company.

 

The NHRC criticized the environmental impact assessment (EIA) carried out by the property company, Baron World Trade. It emphasized that the assessment is incomplete as it excludes the participation of the Moken people and was carried out before the hotel project received official approval.

 

The commission suggests that the disputed Rawai Beach land should be legally recognized as a cultural protection zone for the Moken people. This decision is to be made by the Ministry of Culture and the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre.

 

Wasan Paileeklee, from the NHRC, presented evidence at a press conference, showing that the Moken people have settled in Rawai Beach for over 100 years. Key proof includes Moken children attending a local school in 1939 and participation in welcoming the late King Bhumibol during his visit to Phuket in 1959. Also, archaeological findings link Moken villagers to their ancestors who lived on the same land.

 

Multiple lawsuits have been lodged against Moken villagers, aiming to evict them. They are accused of illegally occupying the land, which the property company allegedly owns legally.

 

A 2017 court ruling by the Phuket provincial court approved the ownership of the disputed 5.28 hectares of land to Baron World Trade, and prohibited the Moken villagers from resisting the hotel's construction.

 

However, Wasant urged that a public hearing involving both the property company and the provincial authorities should discuss the land dispute and the hotel development. There are over 300 Moken households on Rawai Beach, primarily sustained by small-scale fishing activities.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-08-16

 

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Good luck NHRC.

Money conquers all.

18 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Wasan Paileeklee, from the NHRC, presented evidence at a press conference, showing that the Moken people have settled in Rawai Beach for over 100 years. Key proof includes Moken children attending a local school in 1939 and participation in welcoming the late King Bhumibol during his visit to Phuket in 1959. Also, archaeological findings link Moken villagers to their ancestors who lived on the same land.

Counts for very little when the gypsies have nothing and the smell of money is in the air.

The fact that they have been there at least 100 years should count.