Rioting workers to divide or concur

A riot between Thai and Cambodian workers at a processed chicken factory in Nong Yai district has led its executives to float the idea of building a wall and a new walkway to keep the two groups apart.

No decision has yet been reached, but if implemented, it would represent the most radical solution yet to ongoing tensions between the two nationalities.

The problems came to a head on the night of July 10 when about 700 Cambodian workers, aged between 23 and 25, ran riot following a drunken quarrel between a small group of Cambodian and Thai workers.

The Cambodians rioted when police, who stepped into the row, took away two Thai men who allegedly assaulted Cambodian worker Kratphet, 25.

"The riot was unrelated to the Thai-Cambodian political conflict," said Rattika Chintanaphon, personnel manager of GFPT Nichirei (Thailand) Co which runs the factory. "The problem resulted from a misunderstanding."

The factory is nonetheless concerned about a possible repeat of the incident, and is exploring options such as erecting a wall between the workers so they no longer have to come into such close contact.

Ms Rattika said the police merely wanted to end the drunken quarrel. They took the Thai workers out of the factory compound to press charges against them, but the Cambodians thought the police were showing favouritism, she said.

"The Cambodian workers didn't understand Thai laws and culture and we didn't understand them," said Nong Yai police superintendent Sanongdet Detwatcharanon, who was present at the scene.

Police decided to escort the Thai employees _ Chuwit Mongsungnoen, 22, and Chiao Chaumprakhon, 31 _ out of the factory after angry Cambodian workers demanded Mr Chuwit apologise to Kratphet.

Hundreds of Cambodians began gathering outside the Thai dormitory to pressure the pair to come out.

Describing the scene as "very frightening", Pol Col Sanongdet said he believed the arrest of the Thais would calm the mob, but in fact it fuelled their anger.

Police attempted to explain their actions through an interpreter but failed to stop the escalating protest.

As the two men left the factory, the Cambodian protesters surrounded four police vehicles. They pounded the cars with their fists and tried to flip them over.

"We retreated to the factory's fence outside and called for reinforcements," said Pol Col Sanongdet.

The Cambodian protest leaders said they wanted fair treatment and an apology from Mr Chuwit.

Pol Col Sanongdet said Mr Chuwit refused to bow to their demands.

Tensions eased at dawn, as police asked the protesters whether they really wanted to follow the orders of their hardcore leaders.

They dispersed without any further trouble.

Police charged Mr Chuwit with assault but they released Mr Chiao because inquiries found he had not injured the Cambodian worker.

The officers also arrested six Cambodians for encouraging workers to riot and for damaging police cars.

Executives of GFPT Nichirei (Thailand) have asked police to provide increased security at the plant.

About 10 police have been assigned to keep an eye on the factory and make sure no suspicious activity occurs at the nine dormitory buildings.

Among the measures was a proposal to build a wall and a walkway so that the two groups can avoid facing each other, said Pol Col Sanongdet.

The factory's executives also agreed to hire more guards to keep a close watch on workers who insist on leaving the factory to drink nearby.

The factory bans alcohol consumption by its workers both inside and outside the premises, said Ms Rattika.

The factory is also installing more surveillance cameras and closed circuit television systems.

Deputy Chon Buri police chief Yongyut Khondok said the factory should try to build goodwill between workers of both groups, as many Cambodians are now working in industrial zones in Chon Buri and in other eastern coastal provinces.