Residents in Doi Lor fight halal food factory plan
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LOCALS HAVE expressed strong opposition to a plan to set up a halal food industry in Doi Lor district in Chiang Mai.
More than 1,000 residents gathered at the Doi Lor District Office yesterday to submit a petition against the plan, and any other plan to encourage industrial development in their hometown.
Over 100 kamnan and village heads in the district also returned their identity cards, saying they would not assist government work until the plan is scrapped.
Sutin Surinta, the kamnan of Tambon Doi Lor, said locals were against all types of industries – not just halal foods.
“We are an agricultural zone. Please don’t bring in factories,” he said.
He said he and locals were worried that factories would spoil the environment and take water resources away from local farmers.
Their petition was addressed to Chiang Mai Governor Suriya Prasartbundit, but was submitted via Deputy Chiang Mai Governor Chana Paengpiboon.
Locals staged the protest after Suriya led a team to survey a target site without public consultation.
“We are dissatisfied. He has not informed locals in advance that there is a plan to develop a halal industrial park or industrial estate here,” said Suk Khammeunyong, a 66-year-old resident.
Chana said Suriya and representatives from the Sheikul Islam Office will meet with locals soon to explain the plan.
Protesters said they were ready to throw away their Thai national ID cards if officials do not listen to their voices.
