Thailand: Environmentalists to protest in Chiang Mai May 6 /update 1

Event

Environmentalists are planning to hold another demonstration in Doi Suthep mountain near Chiang Mai on Sunday, May 6. The groups are protesting the proposed government-sponsored construction of luxury houses on mountainous, forested land near the city. Demonstrators are demanding that authorities demolish new buildings which have been constructed in the foothills of Doi Suthep, which is considered by some to be sacred. Government officials started talks with the protesting groups on Wednesday, May 2, in an effort to address their issues. Civil groups have threatened to escalate their campaign if their demands are not met by May 6. 

While the protest is expected to remain peaceful, a heightened security presence and clashes between protesters and police are possible. Localized traffic disruptions are to be expected near protest sites.

Context

Thousands of residents protested in Chiang Mai on Sunday, April 29, over the project. It was reportedly one of the largest demonstrations held in Thailand since the 2014 coup d'état. The protesters argue that the construction near Doi Suthep, started in 2015, impinges on sacred ground and is damaging the forest environment and the air quality of neighboring Chiang Mai. Government officials have argued that the development is legal and taking place on state-owned land, and that the environmental impact of the construction should only be assessed after the houses have been used for ten years; officials have threatened to take legal action against the demonstrators if the houses are destroyed.

Advice

Individuals in Chiang Mai are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.