Publications
“World Heritage, Blood Heritage”: The Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex and the Impact of World Heritage on Indigenous Rights
The designation of the Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex as a Natural World Heritage Site in 2021 highlighted significant human rights concerns, particularly for the Indigenous Karen people residing within its boundaries. This study analyzes the World Heritage Committee's deliberations, focusing on themes such as Outstanding Universal Value, human rights, and community roles to demonstrate how World Heritage status—and the associated Authorized Heritage Discourse (AHD)—can profoundly impact Indigenous communities. The research reveals that while the site's natural significance is celebrated, its recognition also exacerbates challenges for local populations, underscoring the need for balanced heritage management that prioritizes both conservation and human rights.
Rights to heritage and the environment in Thailand
Thailand's approach to Indigenous heritage, exemplified by the ongoing conflict over land rights in the Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex (KKFC), reveals a persistent tension between state authority and Indigenous claims. Designated as a national park in 1981 and later listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021, the KKFC has been at the center of forced evictions of the Karen community, highlighting Thailand's 'crypto-colonial' legacy shaped by colonialism and Cold War influences. This chapter underscores the unresolved struggle for Indigenous rights to both natural and cultural heritage, illustrating how historical contexts continue to influence contemporary conflicts over land and recognition in Southeast Asia.
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