CHIANG RAI – Residents have joined forces in the Bandu Subdistrict to oppose a planned waste incineration facility in a community forest, fearing serious impacts on seven nearby villages. People in the area worry about the loss of natural scenery, health risks, foul odors, and contaminated water if the project goes ahead.
At the same time, Bandu Subdistrict Municipality has already put up a sign that cites permission from the Royal Forest Department to use the land for waste disposal for 30 years, even though the area was approved as a community forest only 10 months earlier.
On December 15, around 250 residents from Bandu Subdistrict in Mueang Chiang Rai District gathered at the Pong Phrabat community forest in Village 6. The group came together to call on Ban Du Subdistrict Municipality to stop using this forest area, about 15 rai in size, as the site for a planned waste incineration plant.
The Chiang Rai protest brought together several community leaders, including:
- Mr. Jakkrit Kongsurueang, village head of Pong Phrabat
- Mr. Sanya Wongsotsoi, Ban Du municipal council member
- Mr. Singkham Manohan, former deputy mayor of Ban Du Subdistrict
They took turns speaking to the crowd and listening to opinions from people living in the affected villages.
Residents Say They Were Left Out of the Decision
Mr. Jakkrit explained that villagers had never been told that the community forest would be used for a solid waste treatment project. There had been no public hearing, no village meeting, and no clear explanation from the authorities.
He said this gathering was organized because locals feared the municipality might move ahead with procurement and construction without their consent. In the past, when villagers put up signs to protect the forest, the municipality later placed project signs alongside them, which raised even more concern.
If a waste facility is actually built there, residents believe it will affect seven villages in Ban Du Subdistrict: Villages 1, 2, 5, 6, 13, 14, and 18. People worry about:
- The loss of natural views and green space
- Strong odors from garbage and smoke
- The forest’s location is very close to homes
Community Forest Created to Stop Illegal Dumping
Mr. Jakkrit added that residents had pushed to establish the area as a community forest so they could protect it more effectively. In the past, outsiders often dumped trash there without permission, causing problems for local people.
He said that turning the area into a waste sorting and incineration site would bring those problems back in a more serious form, including:
- Health issues from air pollution
- Constant bad smells
- Wastewater that could pollute nearby land and waterways
He urged people from all seven villages to come together, share their views, and hold a local referendum to decide whether they want the project or not.
Mr. Singkham explained that issues around this community forest started back in 2016, when he was still part of the Ban Du Subdistrict administration. At that time, the municipality asked the Royal Forest Department for permission to use the site for waste disposal.
In 2018, a study was carried out on the suitability of the area for a waste facility. The findings showed that the site was not appropriate for waste treatment. When officials spoke to residents, they also found that people did not agree with building such a project there.
According to reports, the Pong Phrabat community forest was officially recognized as a community forest on January 31, 2568, in response to a request from residents.
In the same year, Ban Du Subdistrict Municipality also filed a request with the Royal Forest Department to use the exact area as a solid waste disposal site. Permission was granted on October 3, 2568, only about 10 months after the area became a community forest.
The municipality posts a large sign
“The Department of Forestry has granted permission to Ban Du Subdistrict Municipality to utilize an area of 15 rai, 6 ngan, and 23 square wah within the Doi Nang Lae, Doi Yao, and Doi Phra Bat National Forest Reserves in Ban Du Subdistrict for a waste disposal site, from September 30, 2025, until September 10, 2055.”
The sign states that the Royal Forest Department has allowed Ban Du Subdistrict Municipality to use 15 rai, 6 ngan, and 23 square wa of land in the Doi Nang Lae, Doi Yao, and Doi Phrabat national reserved forests for solid waste disposal from September 30, 2568, to September 10, 2598. Someone has already painted over parts of the sign and drawn a large cross with messages rejecting the waste project.
Local leaders have encouraged residents to file petitions with various agencies. They suggested reaching out to bodies such as the Senate committees that still have authority after the dissolution of the House of Representatives.
Their goal is to reflect the majority opinion of local people and push for a review of the project, in line with the rights and expectations of the communities that depend on the Pong Phrabat community forest.
