Hill Tribe groups construct 80 Dams to celebrate the King's birthday

CHIANG MAI: -- More than 300 people from 11 hill tribe groups in Mae Ai District, Chiang Mai, are in the process of constructing 80 natural dams in a 600 rai area to celebrate the birthday of HM the King.

The dams will also help to preserve water for use in the area throughout the coming year.

The three kilometre-long dams are located at Thanatorn Orange Field on the Thai Burmese border in Baan Haad Chompoo, Tambon Thaton, Mae Ai District.

More than 100 families will be able to use the water stored in the dams once they have been completed. The dams will also channel excess water into the reservoir for storage until the dry season, while pipes will lead water back to the hill tribe villages in Mae Ai District.

The dams were inspired by HM the King's suggestions in order to preserve water for people who live in the mountains, similar to the successful model at Huai Hong Khrai Royal Development Centre in Doi Saket District.

-- Citylife 2007-11-15

Or perhaps phrased another way:

Three hundred inhabitants of Tambon Thaton living north of the Kok River were pressed into service to build some earthen dams for the local agribusiness land owners of once common lands now converted into citrus orchards. Many of the people asked to donate their labor are from the minority hilltribe villages of the district, which includes at least 11 different minority groups. Many of these same villagers, although having been born in the district, are still unable to obtain full Thai citizenship, and some recently had their Thai citizenship revoked, which led to protests a few months ago at the Amphoe office in Mae Ai. But despite these setbacks, these people were told that they were providing this labor at the request of His Majesty and thus gladly donated their time. They are still awaiting a thank you card from the corporate orchard land owners.

Chaiyo!