Phimai residents outraged over new park status

Although the Phimai Historical Park was established in 1936, the department did not fully demarcate its zone until 2016.
The demarcation has caused a controversy as it covers as much as 2,658 rai (411 hectares) of land in Nakhon Ratchasima’s Phimai district. The whole area of Phimai Municipality is in the zone. 
“We can’t accept the move,” Mayor Danai Tangjerdja said yesterday. 
He said local people had lived in the area for generations and possessed land deeds, so there was no legitimate reason for the Fine Arts Department to suddenly restrict their rights or evict them due to the demarcation.
Some residents face evictions if their houses or land plots are in the areas of ancient structures or ponds. 
Others in the recently demarcated zone may continue living in their houses, but before they modify their structures or start new businesses, they will be required to ask permission from the Fine Arts Department. 
“At this point, we plan to negotiate first. But if the Fine Arts Department does not listen to us, we will petition to the government as well as the Central Administrative Court,” Danai said. 
More than 400 people met with Danai yesterday to air their grievances about the Fine Arts Department’s decision. 
According to the department, the demarcation affects 1,665 land and homeowners. 
Last week, Thai Constitution Protection Organisation Association secretary-general Srisuwan Janya criticised the department’s action. “It’s a violation of the rights of people, which are protected under the Constitution,” he said. 
The association has already helped some residents lodge a complaint with the government’s complaint-receiving centre. 
At the heart of the Phimai Historical Park are ancient Khmer temples.