Negotiations on Doi Suthep houses to start Sunday

Negotiations on Doi Suthep houses to start Sunday

Residents in Chiang Mai prepare green ribbons to be displayed across the city to air their opposition to the housing estate being build by the Administrative Office of Appeal Region 5 at the base of Doi Suthep in Mae Rim district. (Photo from @DoiSuthepMountain Facebook account)
Residents in Chiang Mai prepare green ribbons to be displayed across the city to air their opposition to the housing estate being build by the Administrative Office of Appeal Region 5 at the base of Doi Suthep in Mae Rim district. (Photo from @DoiSuthepMountain Facebook account)

Prime Minister's Office Minister Suwaphan Tanyuvardhana said on Wednesday he will begin talks with protest leaders on Sunday on resolving the conflict over the judicial housing estate at the foot of Doi Suthep.

Mr Suwaphan said the Chiang Mai governor has invited the leaders of 17 networks to a meeting to find a solution to the controversy over the nearly completed residential project for judges and judicial officials.

He expected a common stance to emerge from talks between government and local leaders, but admitted the issue would not be resolved with one meeting.

"I think a way out is possible. We are open to discussion and they also want to talk to us," he said.

The PM's Office minister was tagged by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to be the lead negotiator with  people in Chiang Mai over the project following the fare up of local resentment over the project.

The network leaders met in Chiang Mai on Wednesday to map out their position ahead of the meeting with Mr Suwaphan.

They also kicked off another campaign on Wednesday, to hand out green ribbons, the symbolic colour of opposition to the project, to as many people in Chiang Mai as possible.

About 5,000 residents rallied in the northern city on Sunday, demanding the demolition of 48 houses on the slope at the foot of the hill in Mae Rim district. They are part of the new compound for the Administrative Office of Appeal Region 5 which also comprise two office buildings and three condominiums, all sitting on 147 rai of Treasury Department land.

The protesters gave the government a week from last Sunday to agree to their demand, or they would step up the pressure. 

The Office of the Court of Justice has left the fate of the project to the government.

The government's Facebook account, ThaigovSpokesman, welcomed all opinions and suggestions from people after the issue spread on social media.


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