Village of fear after conservationist murdered | Bangkok Post: news

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Activist's murder spooks locals

Toxic waste avenger Prajob was a hero

Residents of tambon Nong Nae have been living in fear since the Feb 25 fatal shooting of a village headman who led a fight against illegal dumping of toxic waste in their neighbourhood.

The family of slain environmentalist Prajob Naowa-opas mourn the death of their beloved father and husband. From left, Prajob’s wife Arunrat Naowa-opas, daughter Sirilak and son Watcharapong. PATTANAPONG HIRANARD

Prajob Naowa-opas, 43, was village head of Moo 14 of tambon Nong Nae in Phanom Sarakham district. He was killed in broad daylight while waiting for mechanics to finish repair work on his pickup truck at a local garage.

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  • jck

    ThailandPost : 458

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    Discussion 6 : 11 Mar 2013 at 13.446

    Naming and shaming companies who dump toxic material will get their attention. OK, so put “alleged” in front of the name and let them defend their actions publicly. But pursue the proven violators by the severest means possible. Wake up Thailand, it is your country being destroyed and polluted by these criminals.

  • JustHuman

    ThailandPost : 68

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    Discussion 5 : 11 Mar 2013 at 13.015

    This is Thailand. It doesn't pay to do a right thing. The politician only interested in a Mega Project with BIG money to be made, then they will rush personally to act on it immediately. So what if you are a head of tambon? Just a piece of garbage (sorry), unless you can be a head of a Ministry/Province, MP or a Godfather, then you will get the Police protection for free. Did anyone heard any comment about this case by higher Authority or the Leader of Opposition/Multi-color since it surfaced? Anyone with "absolute power" to act or put real pressure to get to the bottom of this? If there is then I might have missed it and I apologize!

  • dao

    ThailandPost : 4,804

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    Discussion 4 : 11 Mar 2013 at 09.264

    The irony is he is killed for doing the right thing and now villagers fear for their lives too .The murderer gets paid .The companies continue to dump toxic waste in peoples backyards and the police and governemnt do nothing because someone gave some dirty cash so no one will do anything .We slaves to money .

  • mogy71

    ThailandPost : 407

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    Discussion 3 : 11 Mar 2013 at 09.193

    Is it not possible to name the companies that were under scrutiny ? The word 'allegedly' can be spattered about liberally..

  • hillfarang

    ThailandPost : 1,314

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    Discussion 2 : 11 Mar 2013 at 07.032

    This so sad...

    Perhaps his death will rally the people to realize the importance of ecology over money (greed) and, importantly, Thailand belongs to all of the people, not just the rich & powerful.

    "However, they said they would not stop fighting to save their homes from toxic waste."
    "We will carry on our movement until our problems are solved," Mr Jorn said

    I wish you well!

  • spiceman

    United StatesPost : 3,561

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    Discussion 1 : 11 Mar 2013 at 04.281

    Obviously, in Thailand, global warming is more important than illegal toxic waste dumping right in its own backyard, and a murder of an activist who tired to stop it! What's a Hypocrisy?

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