Cries from Pa Dong Moo Forest: Poverty and Emotional Suffering from Land Grabs- A Case Study of the Forest Reclamation Policy in Pa Dong Moo Plot 2, Mukdahan Province

Abstract

This article aims to examine the impacts of the Forest Reclamation policy as a process of capital accumulation by dispossession, and how it contributes to poverty and emotional suffering. The study is based on in-depth interviews with representatives of 50 affected households, aged between 30 and 75 years, including 15 males and 35 females. Participatory observation of the daily lives of with 10 households was also conducted. The analysis was guided by the concepts of capital accumulation by dispossession, conservation discourse, and social suffering.

            The findings revealed that land dispossession under the Forest Reclamation policy is a structural cause of poverty, which is closely linked to both poverty and emotional suffering. The loss of land, which is the primary means of production for these households, has led to a situation characterized by "reduced income, increased debt, financial system collapse, and the risk of intergenerational debt transmission." Among the 50 households, 32 experienced a reduction in income ranging from 0.66% to 85.4%. 5 households from this group faced a financial crisis. With regard to debt, 29 households saw that their debt increase by 400% to 800% compared to pre-dispossession levels, and 26 of these households were unable to meet their debt obligations. The emotional suffering resulting from the unwilling and unexpected loss of land was profound, leading to severe stress. 8 individuals from 8 households were diagnosed with depression, 5 households experienced domestic violence, and 29 households had to bear the burden of caring for their dependent vulnerable family members. These findings reflect that, in addition to economic hardship, these households also bear significant emotional suffering.