Officials to probe land claim as restaurants, shops restrict access to sea gypsy village

Eakkapop Thongtub

 

Rawai sea gypsies say the narrow access endangers the village as fire trucks and ambulances cannot easily enter the village in case of an emergency. Photo: Chao Lay Rawai / Krit Thepbamrung

 

PHUKET: -- Provincial officers are investigating a complaint filed by Rawai sea gypsies about restaurants, shops and stalls on a strip of privately claimed land that they claim endanger the village by restricting access from fire trucks, ambulances and other emergency services.

 

Leading the investigation is Adisorn Sawasdee, chief of Phuket Damrongdhama Centre (Ombudsman’s office), along with officers from the and Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command and Rawai Municipality.

 

Niran Hyangpan, representing sea gypsies from the village, handed over a formal complaint from the villagers at Rawai Municipality on Wednesday (Feb 8).

 

“Vehicles cannot easily access the village because of the these shops. The entrance is too narrow,” he said.

 

Full story: http://www.thephuketnews.com/officials-to-probe-land-claim-as-restaurants-shops-restrict-access-to-sea-gypsy-village-60979.php

 

-- © Copyright Phuket News 2017-02-10

The sea gypsies have turned the tide and now enforcing their rights. Good for them.

I guess they feel empowered buy the recent victories against the wealthy developers.

 

I always thought many of these restaurants were run by the sea gypsies. Or are they just complaining about some of their competition? Because they for sure dont't leave in the morning for their job in the office.

 

They ask for support from the government like ambulances or fire trucks but what about police refraining from investigating drug usage or underage prostitutes in the gypsie village because they are too afraid and the gypsies wont help with anything? What about paying taxes?

 

You can either try to be completely independent (wont work at this tiny size unless you become a slum/ghetto where noone wants to go) or you integrate with the bigger society (which they dont really want). The middle thing they are trying to do always will create conflicts.