ENCROACHERS STAND FIRM

       The Phangnga naval base has asked provincial authorities to survey communities which encroach on its land and pose a danger to the navy's security.
       Rear Admiral Tharathorn Khachitsuwan, the base commander, said the survey was needed as communities which have settled illegally on the navy's land have refused to move.
       The areas which communities have taken over overlook the port. Residents could see howmany warships had docked.
       Attempts at eviction have been met with resistance.
       Rear Admiral Tharathorn said people have occupied parts of the base covering the districts of Thai Muang, Takua Pa and Thap Put in Phangnga.
       He said the areas around the base are security buffer zones which should be unoccupied.
       Rear Admiral Tharathorn said the base had not been able to keep the residents out.
       They had rallied against the navy's attempt to lay down the rules. The communities had now turned hostile toward the navy.
       Rear Admiral Tharathorn said the least the base could do now was to impose controls on the communities which have encroached on its land.