Dispute Over Water Access: Local Woman's Struggle

In a troubling dispute in Bori Ra, Trat province, a 68-year-old woman, Aunt Thawee, is fighting for her right to use a public waterway that runs through her property. For more than 30 years, she has relied on this waterway for agricultural purposes. However, following a recent land survey conducted by the Land Development Department without her knowledge, her neighbor's land boundaries were redrawn, encroaching upon the public waterway. This alteration led to her being banned from accessing the water, which her neighbor now claims is within their territory. Despite her persistent complaints and appeals to local government officials, which have included meeting with Deputy Governor Pheerat, she continues to face obstacles. Although she was temporarily granted permission to access the water, the ruling remains contested. The situation is compounded as her crops begin to wither without water while she remains hopeful for a resolution from the authorities. If local measures are ineffective, she may escalate her efforts by approaching higher governmental entities in Bangkok for further assistance.