A bad start on border-trade economic zones

The military-led government is to be commended for opening an array of fresh fronts in efforts to revitalise Thailand’s sluggish economy. Among the boldest initiatives is the establishment of at least six special economic zones (SEZs) in border provinces, but, based on what’s been happening in Tak, the strategy is deeply flawed.

The trampling of residents’ rights in that northern province deepens the negative connotation already attached to the word “development”. It’s a term that was formerly welcomed, the key to progress, but in recent decades the public, both urban and rural, has become all too aware of the withering impact that development can have. 

Our governments have yet to strike a balance between national prosperity and social wellbeing. Until that balance can be found, progress will come at a cost, as the citizens of Tak are discovering anew.

The Mae Sot SEZ is quickly gearing up for its scheduled start later this year, ready to capitalise on the rapidly increasing cross-border trade with Myanmar. Unfortunately it requires that an enormous expanse of land be expropriated, and area residents are incensed.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has signed Executive Orders 64/2014 and 66/2014 to have large segments of land seized for SEZ construction projects. Much of it is actually public property, but those who lived on it for many generations might well be within their rights to claim ownership, and they are attempting to block the plan.

Among other concerns they have voiced are fears that electricity supply will be affected and that Tak might face the same sort of serious environmental and other consequences that nearby Phitsanulok, Phetchabun and Phichit provinces endure due to mining operations there. 

In response, the government has downplayed such possibilities. To the residents’ ears, its reassurances are patronising and dismissive. And, in failing to adequately heed such objections from citizens, this government is echoing the same flawed attitude of its predecessors. Public participation in the planning stage has, once again, been given short shrift.

It’s worryingly clear that Mae Sot residents have been excluded from the equation. When the premier visited the area last month, residents were prevented from submitting petitions to him. Rather than taking the opportunity to hear directly from the local people, the prime minister was shielded from them. 

More recently, military officers sought to intimidate journalists trying to survey the site and interview residents. They were followed about as they did their job, and the military personnel even took photos of the citizens who were interviewed.

Development is needed, to be sure, and Tak is certainly a strategic location for cashing in on regional trade in the wake of Myanmar’s economic liberalisation. In the way it is aggressively pushing ahead with the Mae Sot SEZ, however, the government appears to be ignoring the long-term consequences and society’s most important rules – those dealing with democratic rights. 

Prime Minister Prayut has often spoken admiringly about sustainable development. In that vein, he should review his government’s actions in Tak and check whether they match his words. Sustainable development has to take into account the hardships facing those who stand to lose their land, the potential for environment setbacks, and other impacts that might follow.

Instead, the government seems to be trading public welfare for trade and investment opportunities. This is a long way from its stated intention of “returning happiness to the people”.