OUR STORY
Dong Mafai's beautiful forests and mountains wouldn't be possible without the people who fought for them. Read on to see how.
The Fight for Dong Mafai: Our Community's Resilience Against Mining
For the past three decades, we, the villagers of Dong Mafai, have stood as unwavering guardians of our land, fighting against a mining operation that threatened to dismantle our way of life. United in our mission, we successfully halted the limestone quarry mine’s operations and are now engaged in relentless legal and political battles to permanently revoke the state license that permits mining in our area.
This resistance, marked by sacrifice and persistence, has become the cornerstone of our community. Early in the struggle, four of our brave members tragically lost their lives in violent confrontations with the mining company and its partners. Despite the risks, many of us sacrifice valuable time farming and working to join marches and attend court appointments. Our steadfast defense has not only protected our land, but also fortified our unity.
Our struggle is part of a larger narrative in Thailand. Communities in Isan, which sit atop vast mineral resources, have been targeted by mining companies, often owned by foreign entities, for profitable ventures. In response, we helped form the People Who Own Mineral Resources Network, connecting Isan communities with each other and with NGO organizations, thereby increasing solidarity and enhancing our capacity to defend our homes.
Visiting Dong Mafai offers a profound understanding of the importance of our resistance. Eight cliffs and nine mountains, including the Lao Yai Range to the west, surround our rich and abundant farmland. We have cultivated our rice fields for generations and have long foraged from the local forests for bamboo shoots, mushrooms, and edible plants. This land has been our home for thousands of years—prehistoric cave paintings found on Phupa Ya (Ya Mountain) and ancient musical instruments such as the Klong Mohor Ra Theuk Samrit (Ancient Bronze Drum) bear testament to this enduring connection.
We hope that sustainable tourism in the area will increase public awareness of our region and our fight to preserve our native ecosystem against extractive and unjust mining businesses.
So come, meet us, immerse yourself in Dong Mafai's rich history, and feel the embrace of our welcoming spirit. Our doors are open, and our hearts are ready to share the stories of our vibrant, enchanting home.
Our story—and fight—isn't over. Continue reading to discover our current goals and timeline, detailing our resilience from past to present.
Our Goals
Developed by the people of the local conservation movement, these three goals guide the community's efforts for Dong Mafai's resistance, healing, and future.
Timeline
Phase One
Grassroots movement & navigating legal strategies emerges in response to mining.
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1993
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Mining exploration in Dong Mafai begins. Public officials survey the mountain Phu Pa Ya for minerals.
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Village heads of the communities around Phu Pa Ya meet to oppose the mining.
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Activist organization “Khao Lao Yai-Pha Jan Dai Forest Conservation Group” forms. They explore information about mining and start a petition to protest the mine.
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The community files a request to the Department of Fine Arts to list Phu Pa Ya as an archaeological site, preventing quarry mines from operating in Phu Pa Ya.
1995
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After signing the petition against the mine, which would open near their fields, farmers Mr. Boonrot Duangkota and Mr. Sanan Sukwan were found murdered. The culprit has not been identified.
1999
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Village headman Mr. Tongmuan Kumjam and Mr. Som Hompromma were shot after opposing the mine. The six villages in Dong Mafai still continued to resist. Read more here.
2000
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Nong Bua Lamphu Provincial Industry Office granted a limestone mining concession to a company for operations on Phu Pa Huak. The concession was valid for a period of 10 years, from September 2000 to September 2010.
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The company begins bringing equipment to Phu Pa (Mt.) Huak, in Dong Mafai.
2001
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Villagers protest and block the operations. Police officers dissolve the protest using violence.
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During the protests, 12 community leaders were arrested and charged with arson for allegedly burning the miners’ accommodations and equipment storage facilities. The court later sentenced two individuals to prison, while the remaining 10 were acquitted.
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Villagers file an appeal to revoke the mining concessionary license since it was unlawfully obtained.
2004
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The Administrative Court of First Instance has ruled to revoke the request for a mining concession.
Phase Two
The verdict reverses and mining continues.
2010
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The Administrative Court reverses the initial verdict and the company obtains the mining license to operate in a national forest reserve in Dong Mafai from 25 September 2010 to 24 September 2020, despite rising public discontentment.
2012
2015
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78 representatives from Dong Mafai file a lawsuit to the Udon Thani Administrative Court to revoke the company’s mining license in the area.
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The movement is royally recognized and bestowed the flag symbolizing forest protection efforts for actively safeguarding the environment.
2016
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The company starts mining activities, such as mountaintop explosives and transporting rocks on Phu Pa (Mt.) Huak
2018
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The Udon Thani Administrative Court orders to revoke the company's mining license, but the company files an appeal to the Supreme Administrative Court, making it an active case.
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The company, thus, keeps conducting mining as usual.
Phase Three
Dong Mafai pushes back and wins, and begin to restore their home.
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2019
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From 7-12 December, the Khao Lao Yai-Pha Jan Dai Forest Conservation Group marches from Nong Bua Lamphu City Hall to submit their demand to close the mine.
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Along the way, they raise public awareness of how mining negatively impacts their community and the environment.
2020
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On 13 August, after a stalemate in the legal process, villagers camp at the entrance of the Phu Pa Huak mining site to block the company’s operations.
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The blockage camp becomes a community center and successfully stops mining activities after a month. Gradually, they regain control over the community forests. However, a threat of the mining returning remains.
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13 August becomes symbolic for the movement’s victory.
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On 4 September, the villagers have their first restoration event. Read more here.
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On 25 September, the conservation group organized an event marking 26 years of struggle leading to victory under the theme "Turning the Quarry into a Community Forest, Permanently Halting Mining Operations." This came after the mining concession expired on 24 September 2020. Villagers joined together to march and reclaim the quarry area, engaging in activities such as scattering seeds and planting trees.
Phase Four (Current)
The villagers continue the legacy
2024
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On 14 June, the villagers attend the local subdistrict meeting to demand the delegates support restoration and protect Dong Mafai.
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After being unjustly refused the ability to comment, they protest until victory! The government votes to close Dong Mafai as a designated mining exploration area.
Current and on
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4th Generation Dong Mafai defenders join the restoration movement.
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Villagers welcome tourism to Dong Mafai.