This is not the first time resettled ethnic Karen have decided to return to their ancestral land, which was designated as Kaeng Krachan National Park in 1981. Village head Niran Pongtep told Transborder News that the Karen could not live in the resettlement village out of fear they would starve to death. There are many other tragic stories from the park, the birthplace of Karen spiritual leader Ko-ee Mimee, grandfather of activist "Billy" Porlajee. Houses and rice barns were torched, and the Karen spiritual leader whisked away to the new location by helicopter. The park office may find the villagers' return to their ancestral land a challenge to its authority.

Source: Bangkok Post January 18, 2021 22:52 UTC