Thung yai district: A violent confrontation erupted in the Thung Yai District as a group demanding agricultural land clashed with local villagers, leaving many injured.
According to Thai News Agency, the incident occurred at around 10:00 a.m. on August 4th, when protesters divided into two factions. One faction, comprising individuals from various provinces, was demanding farmland that had been under the control of the Rubber Authority of Thailand (RAOT). This group argued that the land, covering more than 40,000 rai, had an expired concession from the Royal Forest Department and had been occupied for several months. The opposing faction consisted of villagers from Thung Yai District, predominantly rubber tappers from the RAOT and other locals who opposed the demands for land acquisition.
Efforts to remove the protesters and initiate legal proceedings against them have been ongoing but have yet to succeed. Earlier today, local residents staged a demonstration to expel the group from the area, leading to a violent clash. The confrontation involved the use of sticks, machetes, slingshots, and reports of gunfire. Following the altercation, numerous individuals were found injured.
Police forces are currently deployed to restore order in the area. Authorities are working swiftly to screen and interrogate those involved, with the intention of prosecuting all individuals responsible for the violence.