Karen need govt supportAs a working group on the plight of Bang Kloi ethnic Karen villagers evicted from their ancestral land in Kaeng Krachan National Park prepares to start its mission, the Prayut Chan-o-cha government must ensure that all threats and intimidation by state authorities cease and a solution to this long-standing problem is found that is both just and fair. The Karens' return on Jan 9 was met with a strong reaction from park officials who threatened to take legal action. Initially, the working group will inspect the relocation site and see how many Karen have missed out from the state's promises. The Karen villagers yesterday said they wanted to petition Gen Prayut at Government House to hasten a solution to their plight. He pledged to comply with the demands, and also to speed up finding a solution for the embattled ethnic people.

Source: Bangkok Post February 15, 2021 23:15 UTC