Fishermen Demand Compensation for Damage Caused by Dredging

Additional ferry trips are being provided for people traveling between mainland Surat Thani province and the popular island of Koh Samui as a protest by local fishermen partially obstructs the ferry traffic.

Since yesterday, fishermen from Don Sak district of Surat Thani have been demonstrating at the entrance of Seatran Ferry Pier to demand compensation for the damages inflicted on their fishing equipment during the company’s dredging operation. About 67 fishermen were reportedly affected, with the value of damage totaling 700,000 baht.

The protest has forced Seatran Ferry to suspend its services.

As a consequence, all travelers waiting to board the ferries at the pier yesterday had to switch to use the services of another major operator, Raja Ferry, located nearby. Due to the long queues and heavy congestion, the services were faced with delays.

[mappress]

Press Release, August 6, 2014