<p dir="ltr">A criminal court has dismissed defamation and computer crime charges against anti-mine activists.</p> <p dir="ltr">On 29 November 2016, the Southern Criminal Court of Bangkok read the verdict on a lawsuit filed by Akara Resources against Somlak Hutanuwatr and Smit (surname withheld due to privacy concerns), according to<a href="https://www.facebook.com/iLawClub/posts/10157772579655551"> iLaw</a>. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Northern Thai villagers have filed a lawsuit against a mining company, saying that their health and local environment have been affected by mining activities.</p>

<p>The cabinet has ordered the closure of a controversial gold mine in the northern province of Phichit by the end of 2016, adding that the Labour Ministry will assist about 1,000 mine workers once it closes down. &nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">Blood examination results of villagers residing in an area with a prolonged mining conflict show that hundreds of people have been contaminated with excessive heavy metallic substances.</p> <p dir="ltr">The <a href="http://www.manager.co.th/Local/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9590000025564">Manager Online</a>, reported that on Thursday, 10 March 2016, Chatporn Ratsadudee, Governor of the lower northern province of Phichit, held a meeting with a committee formed to solve the mining conflict between Akara Resources Pub Co., Ltd, a gold mining operator, and several anti-mine activists.</p>

<p>Villagers from three provinces in the lower north of Thailand have urged the Thai authorities and a mining company to provide compensation and remedial measures after the authorities found heavy metals in the villagers’ blood. &nbsp;</p>