Phuket NEWS:

Friday, April 17, 2009

Gov promises action on sea gypsy issues

PHUKET: Phuket Governor Wichai Phraisa-ngop has promised to investigate and clear up issues faced by the impoverished sea gypsy community in Rawai.

The announcement came following a protest at Phuket Provincial Hall on April 7 by members of the ‘30 Communities Network’ who demanded the Governor take swift action to solve disputes over land ownership and issues over access to utilities.

About 300 sea gypsy families who currently occupy 200 rai of beachfront land in Rawai claim the right to occupy the area, saying the community has been established there for several generations.

However, a number of other people have come forward claiming ownership of different sections of the land around Rawai Pier.

The boundaries between private and state land in the area are yet to be clearly delineated.

As head of a newly-established committee on issues facing sea gypsy communities, Governor Wichai is scheduled to meet with provincial and municipal officers on April 21 in order to come up with solutions for the issue of access to electricity and water supply.

Those solutions will be announced soon after the April 21 meeting, it was reported.

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