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Writer's pictureManushya Foundation
Jan 27, 2022

#JusticeForPhichit Can this happen in a real democracy? Problematic mining licenses extended!



#PeopleOverProfit 🚨 The Thai government decided to grant 4 new mining licenses to Akara Resources Public Company Limited despite the devastating impact of its Chatree Goldmining Complex on people's health, livelihood and the environment. Read on to learn more about this case & what you can do to get #JusticeForPhichit!


⚠️ Chatree Goldmining Complex had been running gold mining operations since 2001 until its closure in 2017. During this time, the gold mine polluted and contaminated the surrounding area, including the groundwater used for daily consummation by the villagers, and their land used for growing crops. The villagers lost their means of livelihood as they couldn't farm on contaminated soil and their health worsened as a result of harmful chemical substances present in their environment.


🛑 The National Council for Peace and Order demanded the closure of the mine from 2017 and ordered a restoration of the natural environment in the surroundings. Not only has the environment still not been restored but the villagers who had to suffer negative effects of the mine even after its closure never received adequate compensation for their loss of livelihood and health issues.


✊ In 2016, over 300 villagers filed a class-action lawsuit against Akara Resources, demanding adequate compensation and restoration of their natural environment. However, due to constant delays in the proceedings, the lawsuit still hasn't been concluded. 🙅‍♀️ Instead, in January 2022, the Government granted 4 new licenses to Akara Resources that will allow the gold mine to re-open and operate until 31 December 2031!


⛔ Can this happen in a real democracy? Would a truly democratic government sell out its people's health, livelihoods and the environment in the name of capitalist profit-making without any human rights and environmental concerns? The Thai government showed us again it cares neither about its people, nor about human rights obligations it has before the International Human Rights Law and the Thai Constitution!


#WeAreManushyan ♾️ Equal Human Beings


✊ The villagers are not giving up! Will you support them in their fight?

Here are the things you can do right NOW 👇


👉 Like & share this video: The more people know about this case, the better we can fight back!


👉 Use #JusticeForPhichit on social media to talk about the case and connect with others involved in this fight


👉 Learn more about the case here & send a direct donation to the community ⤵️

Kasikorn Bank

No. 001-8-68961-8

Premsinee Sintontammatuch,

Sirirat Taitong, Chatchadapon Lorsap


👉 Watch our short documentary about the case here.


 

References

Apinya Wipatayotin, Locals struggle to cope with gold mine impacts, (30 May 2016), available at: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/994325


Australian Associated Press, Australian-controlled Thai gold mine faces ​accusations​ of polluting water supply, (16 May 2015), available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/16/australian-controlled-thai-gold-mine-faces-charges-of-polluting-water-supply


Bangkok Post, Study finds toxic leaks from Akara tailings pond, (22 July 2018), available at: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1507682/study-finds-toxic-leaks-from-akara-tailings-pond


Bangkok Post, Villagers near Phichit gold mine poisoned by heavy metals, (28 November 2014), available at: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/445968/villagers-near-phichit-gold-mine-poisoned-by-heavy-metals


Pratch Rujivanarom, Locals point to severe water pollution near Akara gold mine, (18 November 2017), available at: https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/30331960


Reuters, Thailand to shut sole gold mine over environmental concerns, (10 May 2016),

1 Comment

Paul
Paul
Oct 23, 2023

The outcry encapsulated by the hashtag #JusticeForPhichit underscores a critical issue of governance and environmental justice, even within the framework of a real democracy. Phichit, a community adversely impacted by problematic mining licenses, finds itself at the crossroads of industrial interests and community welfare. In a true democracy, the extension of such licenses, especially when they pose environmental risks and community disruption, should be subject to transparent scrutiny, public participation, and rigorous environmental assessments. Drawing a parallel to cryptocurrency trading, just as traders demand transparency, security, and fairness in transactions and platform operations, communities like Phichit deserve a transparent and accountable decision-making process in matters that directly affect their well-being. Both scenarios underscore the need for systems, whether in financial…

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