A poster found yesterday in Chiang Mai features photos and messages attacking eight leaders of a local anti-government group, claiming it is trying to subvert the government’s populist policies. The group’s leaders are preparing to ask police to investiga

The poster defines the eight as opposing the development of Chiang Mai.

These eight include Suriyan Thongnoo-iad, deputy secretary of the Northern Farmers Federation, Uthaiwan Kanchanakamol, a senior editor of Northern Citizen magazine, and Bannaros Buaklee, a journalist with Manager.

Others are Chaloempol Sampetch, Chaiyapan Prapasawas, Suntaree Vechanont, who are members of the Paki Khon Hak Chiang Mai (Love Chiang Mai Stakeholders); Suebsawas Sanitwong, a member of Chiang Mai Hak Fang Ping (We Love the Ping River) and Nikom Buddha, from the Wildlife Fund of Thailand (under Royal Patronage of HM the Queen).

The poster was produced by an anonymous group who claim to be "the Chiang Mai Descendants".

It contains messages that mainly condemn the group as obstructers to Chiang Mai's development - and urges local people not to talk to, welcome, associate or have any commercial dealings with these people.

It claims that the eight have protested against the Bt30 health scheme, village funds, the Night Safari zoo, ring roads and other development projects.

"I strongly believe that this set of posters might have been sponsored by well-to-do and powerful persons," said Chaiyapan.

Suriyan said: "This is clearly an attempt to limit people's freedom and rights."Chaiyapan said he strongly disagrees with the Night Safari park and adjacent projects and would continue to oppose them.

Citylife

Chiang Mai