This coming week the Thai Lower House of Parliament will debate the draft Community Forest Bill. The Bill was originally intended to "recognize the rights of forest-based-communities to use, manage and protect their forests." In 2000, with support from 50,000 Thai citizens, the Lower House passed the Bill only to see it blocked by the Upper House, which last February added amendments that would weaken the rights of forest-based-communities. These amendments will make communities living in "protected areas" susceptible to eviction, and will most likely hinder their ability to be self-sufficient and manage their own lands.
