Field trip to Rayong for Intenational Peace Mediators, 1st of December 2011
On the 1st of
December, pre-summit activities
were proposed to the participants, including an ombudsmen workshop,
organized
by the International Ombudsman Association (IOA) and a field trip to
Rayong
Province to follow-up on a mediation project initiated by KPI in the
case of an
environmental dispute.
'Walking
towards the protection strip in the vicinity of IRPC factories'
Rayong's
case:Petrochemical industry versus
villagers
In Rayong province,
a conflict between villagers and factory owners broke out a few years ago
because of the social, environmental and health impact of industrial activities
in the area. The King Prajadhipok's Institute led a mediation process in the
area involving all stakeholders including representatives of the industry, the
local community and the State. An agreement was reached and a protection strip
was built between industrial and residential zones, along with many other
measures aimed at building a sustainable and peaceful community in Rayong. Above
all, members of the community learned to engage in public dialogue for
community problem-solving.
The field trip to Rayong offered
participants of the Asia-Pacific Mediation Summit a unique opportunity of
meeting the various stakeholders, listening to their opinions as well as
getting a first-hand experience of a typical community/environmental conflict
solved through dialogue/ deliberation in Thailand.
'Our Community'sdevelopment is based on sustainable development, cultural preservation
and income-generation following the 'sufficiency
economy' principle.
On the 1st of
December, pre-summit activities
were proposed to the participants, including an ombudsmen workshop,
organized
by the International Ombudsman Association (IOA) and a field trip to
Rayong
Province to follow-up on a mediation project initiated by KPI in the
case of an
environmental dispute. 
