KRABI – Running out of patience, agry residents in two villages in Krabi suffering from the release of rubber latex and palm oil refinery waste have put all their homes and land up for sale, accusing the state ignoring their plight.

The frustated people of Moo 4, Moo 6 and Moo 10 villages in tambon Lam Thap in Lam Thap District of this southern province complain they have suffered for may years from the bad smell and the discharge of untreated wastes from rubber latex and palm oil factories only 400 metres from their communities.

One of residents, Boonkhong Thongthip, as published by Bangkok Post, on Tuesday (09/12/2014) said the residents of tambon lam Thap, and in particular the three villages worst hit, have all been suffering from the foul odours emitted by the two nearby factories for seven years. Over the years they had petitioned the authorities to look into their plight, including four provincial governors, but the problem remained unsolved.

“The stench keeps us awake at night. Our children and the elderly suffer respiratory problems. Several canals in our communities have become polluted,and huge numbers of fish have died. Our farmlands has also been affected by toxic waste released by the two factories,” said Mr Boonkhong.

While, Theera Churced, head of the Interior Ministry’s Dhamrongtham Centre in Krabi, said the centre was already aware of the grievances of the affected residents and was working with the provincial industrial office to investigate the matter. (T4)