Clash at Rubber Plantation Over Land Invasion

Picture courtesy of SiamNews.

A violent confrontation broke out in a rubber plantation in Nakhon Si Thammarat on 4 August, leaving more than 30 people injured after over 800 local residents and government officials clashed with around 300 individuals accused of encroaching on state-managed farmland.

The conflict took place in Moo 7, Krung Yan Subdistrict, Thung Yai District, within a 4,000-rai rubber plantation overseen by the Rubber Authority of Thailand (RAOT). The altercation erupted after officials and locals attempted to remove the intruders, who were said to be from outside the area and illegally occupying land beyond their designated rights.

According to reports, the confrontation began when RAOT officials, accompanied by a large group of villagers, moved in to clear the land of the unauthorised settlers. Attempts to negotiate a peaceful exit were rebuffed, with the group allegedly shouting at and hurling wooden sticks and debris at officials and locals. The situation escalated into a chaotic melee involving clubs, machetes, iron rods and slingshots.

Emergency services, including local rescue teams and medical units from nearby provinces, rushed to the scene and transported the injured to Thung Yai Hospital.

Following the intervention of police and administrative officers, the situation was brought under control. The intruders were successfully expelled from the area and security forces remain stationed at the site to prevent further incidents.

Authorities have confirmed that an investigation is underway to identify the ringleaders behind the land encroachment and to determine whether legal action will be taken against those involved in the violence.

  Adapted by Asean Now from SiamNews 2025-08-06