New pathway planned as quick fix for sea gypsy land dispute

PHUKET: Land officials led by Phuket Vice Governor Prajiad Aksornthammakul yesterday measured out boundaries so that a three-meter-wide path can be cut through public land near Rawai Beach to allow members of the local sea gypsy community to access traditional ceremonial grounds while a dispute rages between the gypsies and a developer over land use rights.

The decision to clear the new path came after a violent stand off between the sea gypsy community and developer Baron World Trade Ltd Co, which claimed to own the land surrounding the ceremonial ground traditionally used by the community. The company subsequently blocked access to the site (story here).

“We measured the length and width of the path and will clear it within the next week,” said Vice Governor Prajiad.

“In the areas where a clear path can not easily be made, because of the tide or trees, we will construct a pathway or negotiate with the land owners to see if they will allow a small section of land to be used,” he said.

Officials will then draw up a map in order to submit it as part of the application for a NorSorLor land document.

The need to request the NorSorLor came up in Tuesday’s meeting between Phuket Governor Chamroen Tipayapongtada and relevant parties, when it was revealed that the Chanote titles issued to private investors did not specifically designate the beachfront as public land, a necessary clause (story here).

Though a path is being provided for the gypsies to access their ceremonial grounds, Baron World Trade has yet to conclude whether or not they will allow permanent access to the site, which they claim is on land that the company owns.

— Woranut Pechdee