High time to end land rowThe government has made yet another promise to end the prolonged land conflict between the Karen villagers in the upper Bang Kloi village in Phetchaburi's Kaeng Krachan National Park and state authorities. Back in 1981, the government also declared the area a national park, even though there was ample evidence which suggested human habitation long before that. Their first demands call for the NRE Ministry, in particular Mr Varawut, to cease hostilities against Bang Kloi villagers and that park officials stop distorting information about the dispute. Researchers, however, said they have difficulties communicating with the villagers, as they fear park officials. The land conflict has dragged on long for enough, and it requires political will to really resolve it.

Source: Bangkok Post March 15, 2021 22:52 UTC