As stated by the Thai PBS news, “the application for gold exploration permission is the first step toward gold mining in the future, which will ruin the environment and the economy of the province and affect the health of the people living close to the mining area, due to toxic chemicals, such as cyanide, which are used in the gold extraction process”. Local organizations also noted that the Chanthaburi development plan aims to transform the province into a hub for clean agriculture, the gem industry, tourism and cross-border trade and revenues from these industries and agriculture are many times higher than the mining royalties that the government would be expected to receive from the mining company.

Prime Minister’s Office Minister Anucha Nakasai, who was handed the protest letter on February 10th, told the representatives of the network that the government will not ignore their concerns, but will take their opposition and the proposal of the mining company into consideration to ensure benefits for all concerned.

Original article: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/locals-voice-protest-against-gold-exploration-in-chanthaburi-province/?fbclid=IwAR2EIHMcLVJtPNlwZFHbxwnlkwcVuMjLDkUccxwfSIvU-xvlIf3Kmh_y3Ls