Thread: Protest for trading space at Nang Rong waterfall

About 200 national park officials faced off with some 100 protesting villagers in front of the entrance gate to Nang Rong waterfall in Nakhon Nayok’s Muang district Wednesday morning.

The protesters who are natives of Tambon Hin Tang have demanded a space near the waterfall for trading but this was rejected by the park as there are already traders and vendors inside the park.

A talk was later held between representatives of the protesters and Mr Sanya Boonlong, mayor of Nakhon Nayok provincial administration organization.

On Tuesday, Mr Sanya ordered the entrance gate to be locked and a sign put up to declare the temporary closure of the waterfall to outsiders.

The eviction of the protesting traders was in line with a directive of the National Council for Peace and Order to reclaim state-owned land from encroachers.

Protest for trading space at Nang Rong waterfall - Thai PBS English News

Nang Rong waterfall remains open

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants clarified on Thursday that it did not have a plan to close the Nang Rong waterfall to visitors but it was blocked by vested interest elements who incited vendors to protest against the department.

The department chief, Mr Nipon Chotibaan, said Thursday that the waterfall in Nakhon Nayok province was temporarily closed down in the last couple of days for the safety of the visitors because some elements tried to stir up trouble.

He said further that the waterfall would be opened once the situation has returned to normal and that no entrance fees would be charged on the visitors and their vehicles except for token fees.

He also assured that vendors would still be allowed to trade but warned they must follow the rules set by park officials which include no alcoholic sale and no foams are to be used as food container.

The temporary closedown of the famous waterfall stems from a conflict between the department and Nakhon Nayok provincial administration organization over the right to manage the waterfall and its surrounding area.

The department claims that the waterfall and its surroundings are part of the forest reservers under its jurisdiction whereas the Nakhon Nayok PAO claims it has made use and managed the waterfall for decades.

The case is now pending with the provincial court.

Nang Rong waterfall remains open - Thai PBS English News