• Published: 7/03/2010 at 12:00 AM
• Newspaper section: News

In a petition lodged with Justice Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, the Mokens have accused the investors of encroaching on a 30-rai plot of land which they have used as a community cemetery for over three generations.

The plot is located on an island known to Moken villagers as Koh Plew.

It is about 15 minutes from shore by boat. The sea gypsies have also claimed that state authorities have collaborated with the real estate investors by issuing land ownership documents for the plot even though the Mokens have made use of the land for decades.

Mr Pirapan, who recently visited the Moken community, has pledged to look into the complaints and provide both legal and financial assistance to the Moken villagers in their legal fights.

Land disputes involving the Mokens have erupted following the Boxing Day tsunami in 2004.

Real estate developers have turned up with land ownership documents for the land occupied by the sea gypsies.

Justice deputy permanent secretary Thawee Sodsong said the ministry will assign the Rights and Liberties Protection Department to look into the matter.

He admitted the sea gypsies are facing an increasing problem of land encroachment in the wake of the tsunami.

Damrong Chaiwong, a Moken villager, said the villagers would appreciate it if the Justice Ministry would issue a land occupation certificate to keep the investors away from the land.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/34012/sea-gypsies-seek-govt-help-in-resolving-land-dispute

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