The dispute over a controversial gold and copper mine in the Khao Luang sub-district of Loei has entered a precarious phase. The situation had long been tense — a wall was built to hinder the mine’s operations, with villagers claiming they were frustrated at being taken advantage of and having their concerns overlooked.
But the latest news of violence, with villagers beaten by between 200 and 300 men carrying clubs, is particularly worrying. Those protesting against the mine also fear there will be more to come.
In today’s edition of Spectrum, a special report details how a once-peaceful town with clean freshwater and edible fruits and vegetables became a toxic site where there are cases of arsenic and cyanide poisoning.
It also includes strong denials from the mine’s parent company, Tongkah Harbour, of any involvement in violence, with the managing director insisting he ordered that no villagers be hurt despite the protests hampering operations and impinging on profits.
Complicating the matter is the presence of a former military man and a squad of bodyguards. The retired lieutenant-general negotiated with villagers and has been accused of threatening them. The Internal Security Operations Command in the province has promised to take action if he is found to be behind attacks on villagers.
The saga has been many years in the making and could take several more to resolve should courts take up the case, which is currently subject to mediation. However, issues have been raised that warrant investigation now.
Not least of these is the lack of regulatory oversight that has allowed yet another case of environmental degradation to hit the headlines so soon after the toxic rubbish fires and oil spill off the coast of Rayong.
Questions have also been asked about where the mining licence fees have been spent, given that little seems to have been done in terms of environmental protection as stipulated by the law.
While the mine operators have denied any wrongdoing, serious concerns have been raised by human rights activists and the villagers about the operations. It behoves those in power to get to the truth of the matter.
Last week, village leaders appealed to National Council for Peace and Order chairman Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha for help and protection. Gen Prayuth has spoken strongly about the need to crack down on corruption, to the point where he even urged businessmen who were offered under-the-table deals to seek him out directly.
Speaking the words is one thing, putting them into action another entirely. So far, Gen Prayuth has laid out no firm plan for exactly how he will go about tackling graft, only saying repeatedly that it would be a priority for the junta.
Some first steps have been taken. Moves against notorious taxi cartels in Phuket will be a welcome development for many. Last week, the National Anti-Corruption Commission announced an investigation into the assets of deposed prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra and several members of her cabinet. On one hand, this is routine and required by law after politicians leave office. On the other, the NACC continues to investigate the scandal-plagued rice-pledging scheme.
All these cases need to be handled with the appropriate transparency. The military regime cannot afford to be seen to be playing favourites and must investigate all allegations on their merits.
Rooting out corruption requires following the evidence no matter where it leads and acting without fear or favour. It could also mean punishing friends and allies, since shady dealings and illegal activities are not confined to any one sector of society.
In many provinces, former members of the police and armed forces establish private security operations that often act with impunity outside the law. They also often have the tacit backing of law enforcement or provincial authorities. The effect is a culture of lawlessness that can be intimidating to average citizens who ask for nothing more than just treatment.
If it is proven that groups of armed men have rounded up and beaten villagers purely because they oppose a mine that has brought them ruin, then this must be brought to a stop. Whether or not former military personnel are involved should not influence any investigation.
The villagers were right to write to Gen Prayuth and seek his protection; the circumstances surrounding the Loei gold and copper mine should be investigated and any crimes that are proven should be dealt with appropriately.
Any investigation should follow the evidence, no matter where it leads.