The draconian forest law and regulations are based on the fierce belief that humans and natural forests cannot co-exist. The draconic forest law and the city lockdown reflect the bureaucratic autocracy that is insensitive to people's different ways of life. When the lush forest areas were designated Kaeng Krachan National Park in 1981, the indigenous forest dwellers immediately suffered forced relocation. Denying the forest dwellers land rights deprives them of their essential source of livelihood. There have been some attempts to ease the conflicts, but the government still refuses to accept the locals' land rights.

Source: Bangkok Post June 09, 2020 23:26 UTC