Unesco has added the Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex in Western Thailand to the World Heritage List hours after a protest against it was held in Bangkok.
At its 44th meeting held through a teleconference of representatives from 21 countries on Monday, the Unesco World Heritage Committee voted 12-9 to approve the listing of the forest complex in Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, and Prachuap Khiri Khan provinces. The meeting was put off from last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The decision was widely watched because a small part of it is home to the Bang Kloi Karen minority group, who has been living there since at least 1912, according to a military map in that year.
Authorities have tried to move the villagers to another place outside a reserved forest but they have refused, saying it is their home for generations.
Natural Resources and the Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa said after Monday’s vote the decision was a gift to Thais. He thanked all agencies, as well as Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and his deputy Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, for their support.
He did not mention the minority group, especially Bang Kloi villagers, who had been the target of at least two operations aimed at relocating them — Pitak Lum Nam Phet and Tanao Sri.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... itage-list
Kaeng Krachan added to world heritage list
Kaeng Krachan added to world heritage list
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