Starting Point
Nittaya Muangklang (Kob) as a Human Rights Defender
After the "Forest Reclamation Policy" was introduced in 2015, state agencies began issuing eviction notices to villagers, demanding they vacate reclaimed forest areas by April 30, 2015. The notices warned that forestry officials would dismantle the structures if residents failed to comply, citing legal authority.
When forestry officials encountered her mother, they pressured her to sign documents relinquishing their land. Her mother, under duress, signed on behalf of the entire family. As a result, the whole family, including Kob, her mother, her older sister, and her younger sister, were charged with forest encroachment. Additionally, 11 other villagers from Sap Wai faced similar charges, with over 70 more households in the area being targeted. In her first case, the court sentenced her to 8 months in prison and ordered her to pay damages of 100,000 baht (2,943 USD). In the second case, related to global warming, she was sentenced to 4 months in prison and required to pay 40,000 baht (1,177 USD) in damages. This prompted discussions among villagers about how to respond to the situation, especially for those poor people living on the mountain without access to electricity, water, or alternative housing options. The state offered no clear plan for resettlement.
This dire situation led Kob to step forward as a leader, advocating for justice regarding land rights in Isan. Kob, a farmer by occupation, completed only up to Grade 9 due to poverty, which prevented her from pursuing higher education. She had to move to Bangkok for work, where she worked in a textile factory and later in a leather factory. When the leather factory shut down, she returned to Sap Wai to farm with her family. Currently, she grows crops and vegetables, selling the surplus, and during harvest seasons, she works on her farm. She also takes on occasional farming jobs in her village to earn additional income.
Once an ordinary villager living hand-to-mouth, her life changed when she was charged with forest encroachment. This led her to transition into activism, advocating for land rights. Kob emerged as a community leader, defending her land and neighbours' rights. She submitted petitions to state agencies, presenting facts and demanding fair resolutions to prevent forced evictions.
Kob participated in the People’s Movement for a Just Society (P-Move) activities on International Women’s Day. She submitted a petition to the Prime Minister through the Director-General of the Prime Minister’s Office. She also travelled to present petitions to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the National Human Rights Commission, and other relevant state agencies, including the Protected Areas Regional Office 7 (Nakhon Ratchasima) and the Chaiyaphum Provincial Damrongtham Center.
Peace Journey
Through collective action as individuals affected by policy and standing up for their rights to farm on their land, Kob reflected on her journey as an ordinary citizen fighting against injustice. This struggle, which led to legal charges, prompted her to begin learning about the law from her lawyer. She gradually gained legal knowledge through training provided by various organisations, transforming her into an activist advocating for land rights in the Isan region.
Kob shared with researchers that during her fight for justice, poor people like her are often judged by state officials. This judgment extends to their appearance and socioeconomic status, leading to systemic discrimination. For instance, they are perceived as impoverished villagers, which officials use as a pretext to deny assistance. Throughout the process, they face disdain and disrespect simply because they are rural residents.
Although Kob does not participate in policymaking, she plays a significant role in the community, assisting with various legal cases. Her experiences with her legal battles have equipped her with knowledge of laws and legal processes. Many villagers now turn to her for advice on legal matters, including land disputes and drug-related cases, which are prevalent in her community. Kob provides initial guidance and advice, helping villagers navigate the steps they must take within the legal system.
Success Stories
Women, particularly grassroots women, face numerous challenges in participating in the peace process. Economic barriers, for example, are a significant obstacle, as poverty acts as a trap that prevents women from stepping forward to fight for their rights. In Kob’s case, taking on activism has required her to work many times harder. Engaging in advocacy activities and travelling outside the community comes with financial costs, further straining her resources.
Another challenge is fostering peacebuilders at the community level. Limited access to funding makes supporting initiatives that empower women as peacebuilders challenging. Without resources, there are few opportunities to cultivate community-level female leaders dedicated to peacebuilding.
Despite these challenges, Kob’s case stands out as an example of successfully expanding networks beyond the community level. Kob has established local connections, which she leveraged to seek support. This resulted in backing from international organisations, such as UN Women and Manushya Foundation, which supported campaigns like #SaveSapWaiVillagers to amplify the villagers’ voices to a global audience. Through these efforts, petitions were submitted to the United Nations to demand justice for the villagers.
National NGOs also joined the cause, raising awareness of the injustices villagers face at the state's hands. Additionally, Kob's efforts gained recognition from state institutions, including the National Human Rights Commission, and she successfully secured support from the Justice Fund. This allowed her and other affected villagers to receive financial assistance for travel expenses to attend court proceedings in Chaiyaphum Province.
Kob’s case illustrates how grassroots activism, strategic networking, and external support can transcend local challenges and reach national and international platforms.