Constructed Identity and Community Self-Expression to Perceive Human Security; Case Study of Klity Village, Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand

Abstract

The lead released from a mine in Klity village killed many people, especially children. Moreover, it destroyed the ways of lives
of the community and damaged the environment severely. The voices of the marginal Klity villagers have not been heard for over 10
years. These voices of both physical and mental pain have finally led to the fight being heard and the faint voices have now been
amplified and heard by both the public and the ears of justice. The objective of this study is to discover how this overlooked community
will be able to reconstruct their identity and create community self-expression in the public realm. Documentary research, participant
observation and interviews have been designed to collect data. The voice of Klity has never been heard until the media started to
release news about Klity. This communication is meant to allow the society to perceive facts and feelings. Simultaneously, the
community has had to struggle with structural power and mainstream cultures in order to receive recognition as humankind with human
dignity as well as human security. The Klity case is the first environmental case in Thailand where the community has won a lawsuit
against a powerful mine company and governmental organization, and this has raised public awareness about risk and social
consciousness.