Nestled in the mountains of Omkoi, in Chiang Mai, Thailand, lies the Indigenous Karen village of Kaboedin. This month marks six years since the community began its fight to stop the proposed lignite coal mine project.
To commemorate this milestone, we joined the Kaboedin community and allies in Omkoi for their anniversary gathering. This timing was very symbolic because it coincided with the rice harvest. As the community gathered to bless the upcoming rice harvest, thanking the land for all it has given, they also gathered to honour six years of a growing and continued community-led campaign.
Woman smoking through a traditional tobacco pipe. (Photos taken by Sam Hofman)
How the Campaign to Stop the Mine Began
The campaign began in 2019, when residents of Omkoi learned that a lignite coal mine project, proposed by 99 Thuwanon Co. Ltd., was advancing without meaningful consultation or consent from those who would be most affected. The project’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) failed to include community voices or account for the full environmental and social risks the project would pose to local livelihoods and ecosystems.
Despite these challenges, the community refused to accept this dismissal of their rights. In 2022, community representatives filed an administrative lawsuit to revoke the flawed EIA and demand a transparent and participatory process. The court issued an injunction to demand that 99 Thuwanon Co. Ltd delay the development of the coal mine until the final judgement. Since then, the community has built the Omkoi Anti-Coal Mine Network, strengthened alliances with civil society partners, and continued asserting their right to a safe and healthy environment. They have been able to successfully delay the opening of the mine for the past six years, and are working towards the goal of halting the mine project permanently.
Alcohol, rice, and chickens are given to the spirits of the ancestors, forests, mountains, and water as part of the blessing for a bountiful harvest.
Gathering Together to Celebrate Campaign Milestones
The celebration, held beside the rice fields, began with a traditional Karen Beang Sai blessing ceremony. We thanked the land and spirits for a safe and abundant harvest. Representatives from Mae La Noi joined in solidarity and shared their experiences fighting a proposed Fluorite Mine in their own community. Community representatives and activists, including Pornchita Fahpratanprai, partners, and the lawyer Sumitchai Hattasan, shared updates on the ongoing campaign and highlighted the continued energy to keep fighting.
“I am glad to be part of the action today. This is our celebration – our milestone
to stop the mining project is achieved. I think the world knows about this fight, and they are in solidarity with us,” said Duangjai, a Kaboedin Omkoi resident.
The community gathers together to commemorate the past six years and to continue the fight against the lignite coal mine.
Six years on, the people of Omkoi continue to defend their land, water, and way of life. Their story is a testament to what can grow when communities stand together.
EarthRights has been honored to stand side by side with the Omkoi community in the courts and on the ground. We remain committed to supporting their fight for justice.
Read more about the campaign here.
