"I swear on all sacred spirits that I have lived on that land [Ban Bangkloi Bon] all my life. When I first remembered the taste of my mother's milk, I was there. That is my ancestors' land, but if the court tells me to stay elsewhere, I'll follow. But I would like to say that it is against my will and the authorities |have forced me out of my home," Ko-i said.The fourth plaintiff, Bunchu Phukard, a member of the Karen community, said he was sad that the court rejected nearly all their demands and only granted Bt10,000 in compensation. No-ae was also given only Bt10,000 in compensation as the court ruled that the defendants had not violated the law by forcefully evicting residents from Ban Bangkloi Bon village.

Source: The Nation Bangkok September 07, 2016 17:15 UTC