Banana drama: Thai woman holds buffalo hostage over plantation feud
A Thai woman held her neighbour’s buffalo hostage to demand compensation after the animal damaged her banana plantation in the Sattahip district of Chon Buri province. However, the neighbour neither paid the compensation nor retrieved his buffalo.
The 59 year old woman, Nong, called Sattahip Police Station officers to her home yesterday, February 19, to help resolve the dispute with her neighbour. She reportedly cried in front of the officers, explaining that 15 banana trees in her plantation were damaged.
Nong then led the officers to the buffalo, which she tied to a tree near the damaged plantation to draw attention to the matter.
She explained that the buffalo, along with four others, belonged to her neighbour, a retired soldier. The neighbour allegedly allowed the buffalos to roam freely in the community, during which they entered her plantation, ate the bananas, and damaged the trees.
Nong chose not to complain after the first incident and instead worked to restore her plantation. However, the buffalos returned and caused further damage.
Determined to take action, she captured one of the animals and tied it up, hoping the neighbour would come to discuss the issue. Nong also reported the matter to the community leader, who informed the neighbour about the problem.
Despite this, the neighbour did not visit Nong’s home. Frustrated, Nong sought police intervention and indicated her intention to pursue legal action against him.
Police officers advised Nong not to repeat her actions, as capturing and confining another person’s animal could result in legal consequences for theft. They then contacted the neighbour, who promised to pay the requested compensation of 2,000 baht by tomorrow, February 21.
A similar conflict between neighbours was reported last year, when a Thai man beat his neighbour’s Siberian Husky to death, claiming the dog attacked the chickens he was raising for sale.
The man received a two-month jail sentence but the dog’s owner is continuing legal proceedings to seek a harsher punishment.
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