A confrontation over disputed land in Thailand’s southern Krabi province turned deadly on the evening of April 18, when a protest led by landless villagers escalated into violence, leaving one man dead and two others seriously injured.
The incident occurred in Plai Phraya district, where approximately 20 villagers from Khao Chon sub-district attempted to block a backhoe operated by an oil palm company. The machinery was reportedly being used to dig a trench aimed at restricting access to a 560-hectare plantation that the villagers claim is under illegal occupation.
According to the protesters, the land in question was formerly under the management of the Ao Luek cooperatives. They allege the palm oil firm has used employees as stand-ins to obtain rights over half the land, while the remaining area is occupied without legal documentation.
Tensions flared when demonstrators tried to prevent the plantation’s manager, identified only as Thanom, from leaving the site. A physical altercation followed, during which gunfire erupted. One protester, Sanong Nooroom, sustained fatal injuries and was declared dead upon arrival at the district hospital.
In retaliation, protesters attacked Thanom and his son, inflicting serious injuries on both men. Authorities have yet to release details about any arrests or further actions.
Sumiontri Sookdam, a local leader representing the landless group, stated that repeated requests for government intervention in the dispute had gone unanswered. The group eventually chose to assert their claim by entering the plantation.
Forensic officers collected evidence from the scene on April 20. Several local and provincial officials have been briefed on the incident, but no formal resolution has been announced.
