Resort operators cry 'discrimination'The operators of resorts and tourism businesses found illegally occupying Doi Mon Cham, a popular hilltop attraction in Chiang Mai's Mae Rim district, are claiming the evictions "discriminate" against hill tribe people. The protesters also submitted a letter, along with more than 600 signatures, to Chiang Mai governor Charoenrit Sa-nguansat through Chiang Mai city clerk Wiraphan Di-on. The protesters claim to have been affected by the suspensions of running water, electricity and mobile phone signals, which they said began four days previously in order to pressure the more than 116 resort and other accommodation business operators into leaving the area. However, Kamon Nuan-yai, chief of the Royal Forest Department's 1st forest resources management office in Chiang Mai, insisted there had been no suspension of running water or electricity supplies in the area. The mobile phone antennas were dismantled because they were constructed without permission, but vehicles equipped as signal relaying stations were being used instead, he said.

Source: Bangkok Post February 18, 2020 23:03 UTC