On Tuesday (October 8, 2025), a group of residents gathered in front of the Phang Nga Provincial Hall to protest against reports that the United States has requested to use the Thap Lamu area in Phang Nga Province for military purposes. The group, led by Dusit Buathong, representative of the Phang Nga Civil Society for Happiness Association, and Siriphong Konsap, deputy chief of Pak Ko Subdistrict Administrative Organization, submitted a letter of objection to Deputy Governor Buncha Thanu-in and officials from the Damrongtham Center.
Protesters carried handwritten signs in both Thai and English reading “Phang Nga People Oppose U.S. Military Base,” calling on the Thai government to clarify its stance on the matter.
Mr. Dusit said that many residents were deeply concerned that allowing a foreign power such as the U.S. to use the area for military purposes could negatively affect local livelihoods, the environment, society, and national security. He emphasized that Phang Nga is a key tourism province and that establishing a military base could harm its tourism image and the community’s way of life.
“We have not seen any country’s economy improve because of foreign military bases. Instead, such areas often become targets during conflicts,” Dusit stated, stressing that locals want to live peacefully, in safety, and in defense of national sovereignty.
The group said the letter was intended as a preventive measure, expressing the collective stance of Phang Nga residents that they reject any future attempt by any major power to use local land for military purposes.
