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Published on January 25, 2008

A confrontation between workers and opponents to a steel-mill project in Bang Saphan district turned violent yesterday, with one person killed and more than 10 others injured.

Following the incident, Sahaviriya Group lodged a complaint with local police.

"We want to see the law applied, not mob rule," Wichit Kongpuvej said after he lodged the complaint on behalf of Sahaviriya.

Provincial Police Region 7 deputy commissioner Maj-General Sopon Pisuttiwong said police would investigate the case and ensure justice for all sides.

The violence erupted at the construction site of the planned steel mill at around 2pm after more than 200 local people tried to stop backhoes and workers from beginning works.

Although Sahaviriya Group said the workers were there to dig a drainage canal, the opponents to the steel-mill project said the canal was part of the project.

Despite the presence of some 40 police officers, workers and supporters of the project clashed with those opposed to it. The ensuing violence resulted in the death of Raksak Kongtrakul, 36, and left more than 10 others injured.

All of the injured were supporters of the project.

Two of the injured victims were in serious condition and hospitalised, one of whom, Panom Mekloy, suffered from blurred vision.

Witoon Buaroay, who

led the opposition group, said the provincial government of Prachuap Khiri Khan had already ordered the Tambon Mae Ram-peung Administrative Organisation to revoke

the permit allowing the

construction firm, Bang Pakong Yota, to dig the drainage canal.

The company is a subsidiary of the Sahaviriya Group.

"The canal is a part of the steel-mill project," he said, "also, the project site is partially located on forestland".

Witoon said his group felt compelled to stop any work Bang Pakong Yota was planning to do.

Kornuma Pongnoi, who was among those protesting against the project, said that her group was attacked.

"We have protested peacefully all along," she insisted.

Another protest leader Supoj Songsiang said he saw some people flee the scene on a four-wheeled-drive vehicle after gunshots were heard.

"Stray bullets fired by them might have hit their own men," he said.

The Nation

Prachuap Khiri Khan