<p>After repeated threats and assaults, villagers and activists protesting the impact of a&nbsp; gold mine have been shot at by a local government employee as they were trying to prevent ore from being smuggled out of the mine.</p>

<div> <div>A court in Loei has acquitted seven anti-mine activists of coercing administrative officials and violating the controversial public assembly law. Their actions constituted freedom of expression and were merely to protect their community, said the judge. </div> <div> </div> <div>On 19 April 2018, the Loei Provincial Court dismissed a lawsuit against seven members of the Khon Rak Baan Koed group (KRBK), (translated into English as ‘People Who Love Their Home’). </div></div>

<p>The prosecutor has charged seven anti-mine activists in Isaan with breaking the public assembly law and intimidating public officials.</p> <p>On 25 July 2017, the prosecutor indicted seven members of the anti-mine activist group Khon Rak Ban Koed (KRBK) (translated as ‘People Who Love Their Home’) from six villages in Wang Saphung District of the northeastern province of Loei.</p> <p>The seven are Phonthip Hongchai, Ranong Kongsaen, Wiron Ruchichaiwat, Suphat Khunna, Bunraeng Sithong, Mon Khunna, and Lamphloen Rueangrit.</p>