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the effects on the community. By doing so, more members had joined
the movement.
Nonetheless, in trying to protect the community rights and
local resources, there was a conflict within the village. Some villagers
supported the building of power plant because they thought that
the project will create more jobs and they could be employed in the
factory.
Women played a crucial role in this campaign. Women
participated in the monthly meeting of the network, attended training
to get information, connected with other networks, filed petitions,
and joined the congregation to defend the rights of local people with
courage. Due to the confrontation to the government, many dissenters
of this project became the targets of those in power. This included
“Rogiyoe,” the female villager of Pakbang village.
“The air pollution and toxics will affect our sea which is our
food larder. The toxic heavy metals will contaminate in our sea fish.
If we consume them, we are gradually increasing the risk of having
cancer and other clinical diseases. If the power plant is built, 1,000
people will be involuntary relocated. 300 local fishing boats will be
gone.” Rogiyoe Sama-ae, the Woman Human Rights Defender and
representative of Pakbang village explained the reasons why Pak Bang
villagers are opposing the coal power plant.
One day, the District Chief Officer of Thepha District paid a visit
to Rogiyoe’s home on behalf of the provincial governor and asked for
the explanations on why she is against this project. “My children and
relatives had warned me but my heart is already cold. I am no longer
afraid of anything. Our spirits are strong. Nothing can scare us. Simply,
we love what we have. We must defend our rights, for our homes and
our children,” said Rogiyoe.
During the opposition of the project, many dissenters in the
village were threatened. Some were shot in their own house. Women

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