Our project deals directly with mining community in Tab Klor, Pijit, the location for Akara resources. We have been working closely with the community and we talked to stakeholders from the villages and industry. We, therefore, need to share some reflections from the field as part of our research project.
Our team visited Pijit in October-November 2014. After the publicity in regards to the situation in Pijit, we look at our research evidences and would like to share some 'photos' and 'stories' from the research fieldwork. Note that our project is not politically involving with any parties. We are interested in gender aspect of mining and mining MNCs in Pijit and Petchaboon. Hence, we like to tell our story from the picture (as key evidence) we collected from the fieldwork in November 2014.
Picture 1: The Village
The community comprises approximately 13 villages. Most of them are not as rural as one may imagine. Roads link all villages very well and it takes approximately 20 minutes to the main road that links this mining community to Pijit and Petchaboon. A few villages that are close to the company have been receiving the village funds (approx. 1 million bath per year per village) to manage their own needs. However, issues on fairness (as mentioned from further villages) have been one of the major concerns in the community. We have learnt two completely different ideas: development or detrimental from various groups in different villages. Obviously, infrastructure has been developed here and we can find the relationship with mining industry. However, some societal issues are raised by some villagers.
Picture 2: Public Board from the Company
One aspect that has been done professionally from the company is public communication. In all villages where we visited and observed, we noticed this similar public board in the centre of the village. You may question the purposes of this board. Obviously, the communication and public relations aspects are outstanding. Akara uses this space to communicate with all villages,distribute their magazine, discussing benefit they have raised to the community, promotion of their sponsorship for the Buddhist temple or school, other health and finance issues etc. From the communication perspectives, this is one of best strategies to inform the community. However, some concerns from the villagers include the type and quality of information, opportuities to use this space beyond PR activities, and other essential information that can be promoted in the community.
Picture 3: Head of the Villages
Heads of all villages play significant roles in the mining community. They liaise with the governor, mining MNC and the villagers. We visited five heads of the village and had wonderful conversation regarding the history of mining community and gender issues. All village heads agree that the industry was historically designed for most men. However, women can now play different roles in the mining community. Most of them also agreed that the repatriation of women and men from Bangkok to Tab Klor is one of the major contributions of the industry. Women can do more work at home and at work. They can return to the hometown and live with their parents/family.
Village heads can also play various political roles in the community. They are the economic and political mechanisms for mining MNCs, the Government and villagers. Their relationship with various groups in the community is incredibly powerful.
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