Kanchanaburi locals win Bt36m in decade-long mine pollution battle
More than 150 people living near a now-deserted mine in Kanchanaburi province have won a decade-long battle against the mining firm.
The Supreme Court’s Environmental Division on Monday upheld the verdict in favour of the 151 plaintiffs suing Lead Concentrates (Thailand) Co. Ltd. for violating environmental laws.
Due to the violation, the environment around the Klity Village has been polluted harming locals.
“The firm is ordered to pay Bt36.05 million in compensation to the plaintiffs. The annual interest rate of 7.5 per cent applies from the date this lawsuit is filed with the court,” Surapong Kongchantuk from the Lawyers Council of Thailand said. “The court also requires the firm to rehabilitate the polluted Klity Creek.”
The lawsuit was filed with the court on October 19, 2007, after locals living near the creek saw clear adverse impacts from the mining operations that started in their hometown in 1967.
Initially, locals demanded Bt1 billion in compensation. However, they were content with the court’s ruling.
“What we care most about is the rehabilitation of the Klity Creek,” Yaser Nasuansuwan said.
Pinan Chotirosseranee, who heads Kanchanaburi’s women’s group, said she was happy after hearing the verdict.
“We have been fighting against the pollution by the firm alongside locals for 19 years already. We hope the court ruling today will set a precedent in other pollution cases,” she said.
