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Thailand's last hunter-gatherers seek land rights
The Maniq, Thailand's smallest ethnic minority, seek permanent land use rights amid conservation laws restricting private ownership; only 20-year permits are currently granted, officials said.
- During the week, the Maniq demanded permanent ownership or perpetual rights to forest classified as conservation zones where Thai law bars private ownership and hunting.
- Settled livelihoods push the Maniq to seek land security as many live on forest edges for education and healthcare, with men working on rubber plantations and women selling crafts, Jeab Rakpabon said.
- Under current rules, communities can request 20-year usage permits, but some Maniq live on private plantations without fields, relying on daily wages and hunting, Sakda Paksi said.
- Khao Banthat Wildlife Sanctuary head Chutiphong Phonwat said `We are not concerned about the Maniq's traditional way of life`, while Chalerm Phummai and anthropologist Apinan Thammasena stressed law compliance and use rights, not ownership.
- With just 415 Maniq remaining across the Banthat mountains, one community has lived for more than 30 years in Plai Khlong Tong, Trang province, highlighting long-term settlements despite small scale.
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Total News Sources57
Leaning Left5Leaning Right13Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Right
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Right
50% Right
L 19%
C 31%
R 50%
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