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STORIES OF PEACEMAKING
#1. Community Fights Eviction
#1. Community Fights Eviction A community of Cham Muslims who have lived in Bangkok for nearly 200 years, were facing an eviction for the construction of an expressway off ramp. This off ramp would cut through the slum community and displace many homes. The people in the community decided to fight against the expressway project. They sent objection letters and worked with opposition parties to lobby support. They also organized people in the community to act as guards to protect their community from strangers and to protect their children. The fight continued for 9 years. They organized cultural tours for people from outside to visit their community and people can come to see their cottage industries of silk weaving and other activities. This helped demonstrate that the community is a healthy and productive one. While the government referred to them as a slum, they wanted to show others that, even though their community is very old and not so modern, it is a healthy and viable community. Finally they went to the Prime Minister's office and sat outside for three days until the Prime Minister finally agreed to meet with them. The eviction was ended, but the people continue to be alert because they know that the eviction can always start again without warning. The people of this community were very successful in organizing themselves to struggle for their rights, and many Thai people from outside the community were interested to learn how determined and courageous they were. They also wanted to learn from the community people's experience because they saw that their non-violent way was very successful in stopping the project. Religion played a major role in this struggle. The Koran was a source of support and strength. The mosque was the main gathering place where discussions and planning for the resistance were made.
#2. Slum Community Struggles Against Wealthy Community A Bangkok slum community was situated in the midst of a wealthy community. The wealthy people wanted the slum out since they considered it an eye sore. They built a high wall to isolate the slum with only one small door for the people to use. The people started breaking holes in the wall so they could come and go more freely. The wealthy people then hired policemen to prevent the slum dwellers from breaking down the wall. The policemen stayed in a small guardhouse in the community so they could always watch the wall carefully. The slum dwellers started to pelt the police hut with human waste and finally the policemen told the wealthy people that they would not stay in the community any longer. The wall eventually came down.
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