Neighbourhood dispute turns violent over public land vegetable garden in northern Thailand
A heated neighbourhood dispute erupted over a vegetable garden planted on public land in Chiang Mai. The argument resulted in physical violence, leaving several people injured. Police are now preparing to interrogate all involved today.
Panya, a 62 year old resident, has lived in the neighbourhood for quite some time. Prior to the arrival of a disputing family, he had been using a nearby public area to grow vegetables, which he consumed and shared with neighbours.
The surplus was sold, providing a small income. However, when the new family moved in, they took issue with Panya’s farming activities, arguing that it was opposite their house and caused inconvenience despite being on the opposite side of the road.
The situation escalated on Wednesday, November 22, when Panya discovered that his plants had been uprooted. Attempting to address the issue with the neighbours, he was met with harsh words, leading to his son stepping in.
The verbal altercation turned into a physical one, with the family of five attacking Panya and his son with iron rods. Panya and his son were left with multiple injuries requiring stitches.
Violent neighbourhood dispute
Suphakit Sirirattanatham, village headman of Moo 5, Nam Phrae, Hang Dong, Chiang Mai, supported Panya’s use of the public land, noting the benefit of a clean public place and shared produce. He recounted how the disputing family, led by a 52 year old man named Bee, had been confrontational towards him, leading him to file a complaint for defamation. The arrival of Bee’s family has reportedly caused discomfort among the residents, reported KhaoSod.
Bee, however, argued that the public land was in front of his house and Panya’s gardening activities were causing pests such as snakes and insects to enter his home. He also complained about noise disturbance whenever Panya worked in the garden.
Bee, who had only been living in the village for two years but had resided in Chiang Mai for 30 years, claimed that Panya initiated the violence and that he was defending his family. Bee’s wife also filed a police report, stating that she was defending her daughter who was being attacked.
Police Captain Veerakawin Srimonthaichai, Deputy Inspector of Hang Dong Police Station in Chiang Mai, acknowledged the case and stated an investigation was underway. Both parties had filed reports and were waiting for medical results to determine the severity of the injuries, which would influence the charges.
The police officer stressed that both parties willingly engaged in the conflict and had weapons during the altercation.
