Villagers of a Thai Muslim community in Ban Tha Dindaeng, Tambon Lam Kaen of Phang-nga’s Thai Muang district have expressed serious concern with the government’s plan to lease a huge tract of land in a forest reserves in the district for the construction of a new airport.
They are afraid that they may have to be relocated to somewhere else and what will they do to make a living and what about their children.
There are about 400 people in Village Four in Ban Tha Dindaeng which is located in the forest reserves. They have been living there for many years.
Phang-nga governor Pakkapong Thaweesap said that an airport in Phang-nga would help relieve the congestion at Phuket airport which is only 40 kilometres away. He added that the airport would help facilitate the journey to Phang-nga for tourists.
Bangkok Airways has proposed to lease about 2,000 rai of the forest reserves in Ban Klong Thung Maprao in Tambon Lam Kaen to build an airport. The lease contract is 30 years and can be extended for another 30 years. The initial rental fee is 50 baht/rai per year but it can be adjusted up later on.
