Villagers want mine shut after tragedy
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Villagers near the Phet Samut Mine in Phetchaburi's Khao Yoi district have called for the permanent closure of the mine after a fatal rockslide on Monday.
Dozens of military and other rescuers continued to search for victims using a backhoe and crane as well as explosives to remove rocks and wrecked machinery in the debris.
The body of a Myanmar worker named Nai has been found, while the body of Nai's 17-year-old son, another worker, was still missing.
Villagers said they suspect the mine was operating illegally. They complained of noise pollution and damage to their houses caused by rocks thrown up by explosions at the mine.
Before rescue operations began at the mine yesterday, staff initially blocked officials from getting into the compound. The district chief talked to the mine owner and it took several hours before they were admitted.
