Chiang Mai
Protesters turn to ‘cursing ritual’ in the latest Doi Suthep protests

PHOTO: File Photo
by Nisanart Kangwanwong
If banners and peaceful protests don’t work, try a bit of local northern Thai ‘woo woo’ instead.
As part of next month’s protests agains the Doi Suthep housing development in Chiang Mai organisers are planning a ‘cursing ritual’.
The Doi Suthep Forest Reclamation Network is staging a major protest in late August to pressure the Court of Appeals Region 5 to give up the mountainside forestland on which a controversial housing project has encroached.
The Network coordinator Teerasak Rupsuwan says that members of the Community Organisations Development Institute from eight provinces of the upper North would join the protest. He says the network would first host several smaller-scale activities to raise public awareness about the issue.
Green ribbons will be strung around urban Chiang Mai and on “red car” taxi pickups to express opposition to the housing estate. Then , around mid-August, a traditional northern cursing ritual will be held to put a hex on the land used for the housing estate, which has been dubbed “the scar of Doi Suthep”.
“Once cursed, the property would be unsuitable for human habitation,” Teerasak said.
The network will ask that a “citizens’ council session” be convened where residents can share their opinions and vote on proposed solutions to the ongoing stand-off.
One such proposal, mooted by a sub-committee in a report for Prime Minister’s Office Minister Suwaphan Tanyuvardhana, suggested the immediate demolition of 45 houses because they were built in “inappropriate locations”.
Another nine units could be demolished or “adjusted as appropriate” but should not be used as residences, the panel suggested.
SOURCE: The Nation
Get more from The Thaiger
Join the conversation and have your say on Thailand news published on The Thaiger.
Thaiger Talk is our new Thaiger Community where you can join the discussion on everything happening in Thailand right now.
Please note that articles are not posted to the forum instantly and can take up to 20 min before being visible. Click for more information and the Thaiger Talk Guidelines.
- Environment2 days ago
Dengue hasn’t gone away – Dengue fever in Thailand 2022, and how to avoid it
- Events2 days ago
Visakha Bucha Day 2022. Today is the substitute public holiday.
- Best of2 days ago
Siam Paragon wins the Best Luxury Shopping Mall 2022 Award
- Phuket4 days ago
UPDATE: CCTV footage of missing German tourist in Phuket
- Events20 hours ago
“Eat Out with Marriott Bonvoy”: enjoy food discounts all the way
- Coronavirus (Covid-19)2 days ago
Studies show Omicron infection in vaccinated people “turbo-charges” immunity
- Koh Samui3 days ago
Romanian tourist dies after falling from Koh Samui waterfall
- Events4 days ago
Up, up and away – the annual Thai rocket festivals are here! VIDEO
You must be logged in to post a comment Login