Tianjai Deetas from the NHRC arrived with her team and discussed the exact nature of the dispute with a sea gypsy representative and Rawai Mayor Aroon Solos.
She also visited the place of worship where the sea gypsies conduct their Balai ceremonies twice a year which is in the disputed area.
After the meeting, Ms Deetas said, “I was heartbroken after leaning that the the dispute between the group escalated into violence last week.
“I don’t understand why the business owner would want to bully villagers who already have poor living conditions. There are more than 200 families living in this tiny area and they constantly face water and electricity shortages.
“I believe the Sophonpanich family knew the situation well and should consider offer a helping hand to the villagers and promote a better quality of life for them instead,” she said.
Meanwhile, Gen Surin Pikulthong, chairman of special national committee Chumchon Thai will today (Feb 2) visit the area and attend the meeting at Provincial Hall with officials aimed at helping find a solution to end the dispute.