Those demonstrating against potash exploration in the area continued their protest and blocked the entrance to the drilling site on Monday, despite the police having displayed a notice that their protest was against the Public Gathering Act and that they must end their action by midday on Tuesday. Following the intervention from the local authorities, police and military officers, the protesters expressed their disappointment toward the authorities’ actions, which they said not only ignored the people’s demands, but also overtly facilitated the mission of the Chinese potash-mining company. Therefore, the demonstrators took to publicly condemning the authorities in their statement and expressed their intention to further pursue their original demands to stop potash exploration in their area. Primary Industries and Mines Department director-general Wisanu Tabtieng clarified last Friday that the China Mingda potash-exploration plan had received full permission from the landowner, and that it was legal for the operation to go ahead. As of 6pm, China Mingda decided to withdraw all equipment out of the area without drilling a potash exploration well.

Source: The Nation Bangkok May 14, 2018 11:48 UTC