Rawai sea gypsies appeal to DIS chief for further intervention in Phuket land dispute

The Phuket News

PHUKET: The Rawai sea gypsy community has once again appealed to the Department of Special Investigations (DSI) to intervene in the unsettled land dispute between villagers and property developers.

Acting on behalf of the Rawai sea gypsy community, Mr Niran Yungpaan, yesterday visited DSI deputy-general Pol Col Paisit Wongmuang, who was leading an investigation into encroached mangroves at the Ban Kuku Mangrove Conservation Group in Rasada.

“I submitted a letter to the DSI chief asking [for them] to audit the documents of Baron World Trade company used to claim land occupied[by sea gypsies] for more than 300 years, which covers access to the Balai shrine, a place used for worship, and a place [nearby] used to anchor boats to seek refuge from monsoons.

“After talking with Pol Col Phaisit, I understand that the DSI is in the process of analyzing aerial images [of the disputed land] which is nearly complete, and they will be on site next week to inspect further,” said Mr Niran.

Mr Niran went on to report that the situation has been "normal" for the past week at the site of the contested path, since a rock-throwing confrontation flared up on May 25 between villagers and workers presumed to be working for Baron World Trade company.

Full story: http://www.thephuketnews.com/rawai-sea-gypsies-appeal-to-dis-chief-for-further-intervention-in-phuket-land-dispute-57721.php#Jr4bb5KcMbdTxsMr.97

-- Phuket News 2016-06-05

I wish them luck but with no money and no highly placed friends of influence they will be lucky to win this one.