via Bangkok Post, 19 and 20 September 2018: Residents in Phimai are protesting against the local Fine Arts Department head over plans to demarcate the entire municipality of Phimai as a historical site.

Villagers opposed to the declaration of Phimai municipality, with its iconic Khmer temple ruins, as a historical site rally in front of the local fine arts office, demanding the chief’s removal, on Tuesday.(Source: Prasit Tangprasert, Bangkok Post 20180919

The Fine Arts Department infuriated many residents in Phimai municipality when it announced earlier it would proceed with the redemarcation of the historical area because nobody had raised objections to the plan within the set 30-day period.

Many residents want only the Khmer temple ruins in Phimai Historical Park and the ancient ponds as a historical site, not the whole municipality.

The protestors say that becuse of Mr Jaruk they live “without confidence and feeling insecure” for fear of eviction, because the new, expanded historical site would include their land and property.

Source: Phimai residents seek official’s ouster in historical-site row | Bangkok Post: news ; Phimai locals step up site plan protest | Bangkok Post: news