land for seagypsies

Sea Gypsies under siege from owners

The Phuket Provincial Court is facing a long series of lawsuits aimed at getting members of the Rawai Sea Gypsy village – the largest such village in Phuket – evicted from land claimed by a local businessman who bought the land four years ago.

Over 2,000 Sea Gypsy residents of the village could be affected by this action.

Businessman Piyawat Sangiamkul, who owns the Baan Raya Resort & Spa on Racha Yai Island, is the second person to claim a portion of the Sea Gypsy Land. The first was Suthep Nukdee, who won two cases against brothers-in-law Maren and Anan Bangjak, when they unwittingly signed a document which, it transpired was a lease, effectively losing their right of ownership of the land. The courts upheld the decision that the two men were leasing the land. 

The ‘lease’ was signed by way of a thumb print as neither men, 

like many of the Sea Gypsies can read or write.

A lawyer representing the villagers, Puwanark Buaniam has already lodged an appeal on behalf of Maren and Anan Bangjak and is awaiting a court date for the appeal.

Niran Yangpan, is the representative of the Sea Gypsy community and was at pains to point out that the village has been the home of Sea Gypsies for over 100 years.

Records show the Sea Gypsies were occupying the land for the past 100 years, but word of mouth indicates, the gypsies could have been resident there for 500 years.

Landowners claim they have deeds issued since 1971, 

however, there is photographic proof of HM the King visiting the village in 1959.

Mr. Piyawat claims he purchased the land at an Auction from the Legal Execution Department of the  Bank of Ayutthaya which handles auctions of property against defaulted loans.

Mr Piyawat also claims he didn’t know the land was occupied and didn’t make any inspection of the land prior to the purchase. 

In reality, Mr Piyawat was fully aware of the existence of the village and occupants as he had used their services for a number of years to transfer goods from Rawai to Raya Yai.

The Sea Gypsies of Rawai lead a simple existence, yet have centuries old traditions as a fishing community. This could all be lost due to greed and corruption and no-one in authority seems to care.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out the value of the land in question and if the courts concede to this case with Mr Piyawat (of Raya Yai fame) it will open the flood gates for the other 6 landowners, effectively evicting the entire Gypsy Village.

The Sea Gypsies make no financial gains from the land, other than a handful of fish and handicraft stalls to help make ends meet and of course, a place to live for over 2,000 residents.

Previous governments have made ‘noises’ in support of the Gypsies, but do very little to help when it’s really needed.

Maybe it’s time HM the King paid another visit, if not to the land, then to the issue and settle the matter once and for all.

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