Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Friday defended the government’s decision to extend Akara Resources Plc’s licences for gold and silver mining for another 10 years, insisting it is in line with the law. The company operated the Chatree gold mine, which sits on the borders of three provinces — Phichit, Phitsanulok and Phetchabun. The mine was ordered closed in 2017 by an executive decree of the now-dissolved National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) following villagers’ complaints about health and environmental impacts. Under the terms of reopening, the gold mining company will be allowed …

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