Manni Ethnic Group Heads to Polling Stations, Hopes New Government Will Address Land and Livelihood Concerns

The Manni ethnic group from Satun province descended from the Banthat mountain range to exercise their voting rights in parliamentary and referendum elections. At the polling station in Wang Na village, Unit 15, District 2, local people were actively waiting to vote since early morning. Around 30 Manni tribe members traveled down from the mountains to cast their ballots. Mr. Ad Srimanang, a Manni community member, said he has voted many times before. He acknowledged the election was slightly confusing due to having to mark three ballots but was confident he completed them correctly. He emphasized that they came to vote to exercise their rights as citizens. His hope for the newly elected government is to help with land for cultivation, support sustainable careers, and address the community's needs. With children now entering schools, they need stable income sources, as traditional hunting and forest gathering are no longer sustainable. The community wants secure jobs and safe housing.