<div>(Bangkok, 28 October 2014) Defamation charges against community based human rights defenders who exposed alleged human rights abuses by Tungkum Company Limited (TKL) should be dropped immediately, the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) said today. The Order Announcement of Mr. Surapan Rujichaiwat will be held on 29 October at 13.30 pm in the Phuket Provincial Court to rule whether or not to proceed with the case. Meanwhile Ms. Porntip Hongchai is due to stand trial on 3 November 2014 in the same court. </div>

<div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Since September 2013, the tension between villagers and Tungkum Co. Ltd., the mine operator, flared up when the villagers barricaded the mine entrance, blocking trucks, each of which normally carries 15 tons of cyanide waste, from passing through the villages.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>The villagers from six villages of Khao Luang district of the northeastern province of Loei claims that throughout 12 years of mining operations, they have suffered numerous environmental problems allegedly caused by the mine. </div>

<div><strong>THAILAND: Joint statement on the threats to the Wang Saphung community&nbsp;</strong></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>30 August 2014 Protection International and the Asian Human Rights Commission are seriously concerned about the Royal Thai Army’s latest intervention in the conflict between the Wang Saphung community in Loei Province with a neighbouring gold and copper mine. </div>

<p>The conflict over the mine in Loei is the first test of the junta’s policy to create reconciliation. The villagers say they have lost trust after the military intervened.</p> <p></p>