Udon mine protesters charged
Udon Thani's public prosecutor filed charges yesterday against five community leaders for trespassing on land for a potash mine project.
The five defendants are Boonlert Lekkhiew, Panya Khamlarb, Bandit On-saard, La-eied On-saard and Nawarat Daurueng. They led a protest action against the project. The Asia Pacific Potash Corporation (APPC) accused them of trespassing on the company's site during the protests and took a complaint to the police. The defendants, accompanied by their lawyer and some 100 villagers, yesterday met the public prosecutor in Udon Thani Court. The five, including La-eied On-saard, who is the mother of a one-month-old girl, were detained for several hours while their lawyer tried to get them bail. La-eied kept her baby with her as her husband Bandit was also charged and detained. Out on bail, La-eied vowed continued protesting against the project. Asia Pacific Potash Corp is a Thai subsidiary of a Canadian firm. The project aims to create one of the world largest potash mines, covering a 66,000-rai area. The firm had been allowed to operate the mine in Udon Thani before running into intense opposition from local villagers and conservationists. But there is now widespread speculation that the Canadian firm will pull out.
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