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dam-l LS: Pak Mun villagers threatened by 2,000 police officers
Urgent Message from Pak Mun!!!
2,000 Policemen Threaten the Villagers at Pak Mun, Dec 2, 1999
Dear allies,
This is the lastest urgent situation at Pak Mun dam, as of December 2,1999.
The events started in the morning when more than 1000 policemen and the
Ubonratchathani provincial protection volunteers unit, controlled by the
provincial govenment, moved into the dam site claiming to prepare planting
for the King's birthday in the afternoon. The villagers tried to contact a
local reporter to verify this information, but no one knew if the
authorities were telling the truth. At the same time, 1 helicopter was
observing and took photos around the village all day long.
There planting never occurred, but in the afternoon more protection
volunteers attended the force bringing the total to over 2000. All of them
were equipped with full riot gear. Some of them told the villagers that, if
they received the orders, they would raid the village at night.
At 4 pm. the village headmen came back from the monthly meeting at Khong
Chium district and stated that a plan to clear the people from the Pak Mun
protest village would be established soon.
At 6 pm., 3 fire engines and 1 helicopter parked at Sirinthorn dam site, 5
kilometers from Pak Mun dam.
One reason for these threats may be the extensive media coverage that the
Pak Mun issue has been receiving lately. The other reason could be that the
10th anniversary of people's movements against Pak Mun dam is coming up on
December 9-10, and this may be an attempt by the government to prohibit any
plans that had been made for this occasion.
Whatever happens next, the 3000 villagers have resolved to stay calm and
non-violent.
We are unsure of what will happen next, but this appears to be a very
serious time. We will keep everyone updated on this situation, and we may
need to ask for your help in protecting the villagers at Pak Mun.
************************************************
Chainarong Sretthachau
Southeast Asia Rivers Network(SEARIN)
25/5 Moo 2 Soi Sukhapibarn 27
Changkhien-Jed Yod Road
Chang Phuek
Muang
Chiang Mai 50300
Thailand
Tel/Fax: (66) 53-221157
Email: searin@chmai.loxinfo.co.th