No mangrove forest homes for migrant workers, regime says

The government insists it has no plan to build a seaside accommodation for migrant workers on degraded mangrove forests in Ranong, dismissing such talk as merely an idea.

The idea would first require an in-depth study and careful consideration from all sides, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Gen Surasak Karnjanarat said yesterday.

Despite echoing similar sentiments, government spokesman Lt Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the government is committed to ensuring the appropriate welfare for foreign workers.

Ranong, which employs about 64,000 migrant workers, is among 13 provinces which the government is reportedly eyeing as locations for new accommodation sites for them. As they are currently dispersed it is hard for the government to keep track of them.

Gen Surasak said officials in Ranong have suggested the use of two degraded mangrove forests as possible construction sites. But as opposition is rising the issue will be considered carefully with environmental and legal concerns taken into account, he said.

Critics argue that two large patches of degraded mangrove forest — one covering 120 rai and the other 73 rai —should be restored, not wiped out to make way for the potential construction projects.

But the minister is not certain the forests can be improved, Gen Surasak said, citing a report from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources that concludes the foliage is in bad condition.

One reason for their deteriorated state is the long absence of seawater, Gen Surasak said.

This might not be such a problem as mangrove forests can survive without being constantly flooded by seawater, according to marine scientist Thon Thamrongnawasawat.

The government will hold talks with the relevant agencies and listen to views from workers and employers, as well as from local people, before figuring out what is the correct course of action, Lt Gen Sansern said.

But he said the critics and those with different views should try to be more understanding. “They shouldn’t be driven by their emotions when looking at the issue,” he said.

The government needs to provide migrant workers with adequate accommodation and prevent problems including garbage overflows, crime and contagious diseases, Lt Gen Sansern said.

Apart from Ranong, other provinces where the housing projects for the migrant workers may be designated are Samut Sakhon, Samut Prakan, Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Chon Buri, Rayong, Phuket, Songkhla, Surat Thani, Tak and Chiang Mai.