Angry villagers take to the streets in opposition to the authorities' decree to dig up graves
In the heart of Chiang Rai's Mae Chan district, a contentious issue has arisen surrounding a 15-rai orchard, where an 83-year-old Lahu elder named Chakae Jitueaangkul was laid to rest. The land, originally occupied by the village's founder Lao Chee Kuay, has been at the centre of a heated debate, with both sides seeking a fair resolution.
The grave of Chakae Jitueaangkul, a well-known figure in the local community, has garnered significant attention in Thailand, yet details about the ownership of the orchard remain largely undiscussed in the public domain. Most media reports in the country focus on the significance of the site and the movement surrounding the memorial, rather than the property matter.
The protesters, numbering over 300 villagers from Ban Lao Chee Kuay, have voiced their concerns, stating that no one should be forced to exhume their relatives on unfair grounds. They have met with the administrative officials at least five times in an attempt to reach a compromise. The family of Lao Chee Kuay had initially objected to the burial, citing a traditional belief that the land was not intended for use as a burial ground.
However, Chakae's family, supported by around 100 villagers, carried out his wish to be buried on the land despite the administrative officials' order for the removal of the body. The family agreed to adjust the burial site to comply with Mien customs, a decision that was met with resistance from Lao Chee Kuay's family.
The family's rejection of the order to exhume the body was based on the lack of a legal basis for it. Before his death, Chakae had expressed his wish to be buried on the land. The title of the land was transferred to Rewat Sakyawong and Metinee Jitueaangkul in 1990.
The protesters have proposed converting parts of the orchard into a public cemetery, but have yet to receive a response from the district chief. As the dispute continues, concerned parties can take several steps to uncover the ownership details. These include contacting local authorities, such as the Department of Lands, reaching out to local NGOs like the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, conducting media research, and engaging with academic institutions researching Thai political history or memory culture.
It is important to note that gathering land ownership data in Thailand may be complex due to data protection and security concerns, and the political sensitivity of the location may hinder the dissemination of information. For concrete information on this case, it is recommended to reach out directly to Thai human rights organisations or relevant academic institutions specialising in Thai political history.
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