The Phimai historic park is seen from the municipality in Phimai district in Nakhon Ratchasima. (Photos by Prasit Tangprasert)NAKHON RATCHASIMA: Residents in Tambon Phimai Municipality of Phimai district have raised an objection to the Fine Arts Department's move to declare a 2,658-rai area a historic site, saying that they have lived in the area for generations, and have proper legal documents to prove their right to occupy the land. The letter said an area covering 2,658 rai and 25 square wah in Phimai district would be designated as a 'historic area' under Section 7 of the 1961 law on historic sites, art objects and museums. According to the letter, now that the 30-day period had expired without any objections be filed, the department would proceed to declare the area a historic site in the Royal Gazette. Danai Tangjerdja, the mayor of Tambon Phimai Municipality, said the department's letter had upset many local residents as more than 2,600 households would be affected.

Source: Bangkok Post February 25, 2018 04:41 UTC