Chantima Chaibutdee

Galleries

Starting Point

Chantima, a 63 years old and local resident in Chana who has been at the forefront of opposing the Chana Industrial Estate project for over 25 years. Initially, the authorities promise that this project will provide more job opportunities and more income for local residents, they failed to engage with the community in a meaningful consultation. 

Chantima’s journey took a pivotal turn when she met Dr. Suphat, who was dedicated to advocating and health expert, he empowered the locals with critical knowledge and explained that such large-scale development can harm their health, environment, and overall livelihood. After Chantima understood the impact of such development, she became a powerful voice in her community, standing up for her rights and her homeland. She underscored the importance of being informed, community-driven decision-making in the face of industrial expansion. 

Peace Journey

Chantima believes that her and her team’s efforts contribute meaningfully to the peace process by explaining her work as a peaceful protest not just for the benefit of her group or the people in Chana, but for all humankind. She emphasises that God has provided the natural resources of her homeland, both on land and sea, for everyone, regardless of their background. This belief has provided her with a sense of responsibility to protect these resources. She also receives trust and support from many people which reinforces her commitment to using a non-violent means to oppose the project, ensuring their approach aligns with their shared vision for peace and justice.

She also collaborates with Mahasarakam University in the northeast, where the researchers and her team work together to gather data from the local community. The goal is to use this information to stand up against the project. Based on their experiences, they do not trust the government as it provides only one side of information to the public. They believe it is important to have solid data which includes the input provided by the local people to support their stance. She firmly believes that having access to fair and balanced information is a powerful tool and considers this approach a part of the peace process.

Success Stories

Despite facing numerous challenges, Chantima proudly shared that her organisation successfully halted the Chana Industrial Estate project in her hometown. She viewed this accomplishment as a significant victory for the community, as the project posed considerable risks to the environment, livelihoods, and social fabric of the region. Chantima emphasised that the harmful consequences of such a development would extend beyond her generation, affecting future generations as well. As a devout Muslim, she sees it as her spiritual duty to protect her homeland so that when she meets God, she can account for her actions. She believes that Islamic teachings played a vital role in motivating her and her colleagues to persist in their efforts to ensure a sustainable and harmonious future for the people and the environment they rely upon. This sense of responsibility to safeguard the land, culture, and natural resources defines her community’s identity.

Chantima revealed that she sometimes faces discrimination from government authorities, particularly law enforcement, who question why women are involved in activism. Undeterred, she expressed pride in creating an inclusive organisation where both women and men work collaboratively. This gender balance within her team is a testament to her success in fostering unity and mutual respect, demonstrating that shared goals can unite people. She also credited social media platforms, especially X (formerly Twitter), for amplifying her campaign’s reach. Social media not only engaged people her age (over 50 years old) but also attracted younger generations who actively supported her team. During a protest in Bangkok, her campaign gained significant traction online, becoming widely recognised within three days.

Additionally, Chantima highlighted the success of a documentary produced by her organisation. This film, which chronicled the inspiring stories of community members fighting for their land and rights, received international acclaim and won an award at a film festival in Cairo. This recognition reassured her that their efforts were meaningful, bringing global attention to their cause and amplifying their message beyond Thailand’s borders.

Chantima also shared her strategy for raising awareness about her community’s opposition to the industrial project through cultural and educational tours in Chana. These tours invite visitors to experience the region’s rich cultural heritage, including its cuisine, traditions, and the daily lives of local residents. By engaging directly with the community, visitors gain a deeper understanding of why locals resist the industrial estate project. These tours serve not only as a peaceful form of resistance but also as a way to highlight the importance of preserving the unique way of life and environment that define the community.