Buriram Villagers Protest Sugar Mill Biomass Plant with Chili Curse
Buriram villagers protested a planned sugar mill and biomass plant expansion on Nov
BURIRAM — Villagers from Nang Rong and Chamni districts gathered on November 5 to oppose the construction of a sugar mill with a capacity of 20,000 tonnes of sugarcane per day and a biomass power plant slated to expand from 54 to 65 megawatts. The Ozone Love Home group and local representatives performed a symbolic ritual burning chili and salt while reading a statement demanding the cancellation of both the first public hearing already held and the second hearing scheduled online. They argued the hearings were not transparent, did not allow genuine community participation, and the online format excluded elderly and non-tech-savvy residents. Villagers also questioned why a factory is being pushed in an area without sugarcane cultivation, suspecting hidden motives. They called on the government to scrap the project entirely, citing threats to water sources, food security, and their way of life. Group committee member Sompong Sangkhun called the second hearing a 'disgrace' with no factory representatives present, only staff setting up tents and online systems. Villager representative Janpen Sanitsri echoed concerns about the legitimacy of the process.
