Deal #4114

Lao PDR

Created at

2013-10-01

Last update

2022-08-18

Last full update

2022-08-18

Names of communities / indigenous peoples affected

Name of indigenous people

Tai Lue ethnic group

How did the community react?

Comment on community reaction

Local residents said that Boten is ‘China now; China rented it’. Source: The People Map

Displacement of people

Yes

Comment on displacement of people

The affected communities were relocated in the early 2000s to make for this project. When Boten was declared an SEZ in 2003, residents were resettled approximately 18 kilometers south to the village of Nateuy in Luang Namtha Province, as well as approximately 6 kilometers south on the main highway to Bopiat Village. Source: The People Map

Negative impacts for local communities

Environmental degradation, Socio-economic, Cultural loss, Eviction, Displacement

Comment on negative impacts for local communities

During Boten’s first iteration as the Golden City (2007–11), local employment decreased as workers cited abuse by bosses and discrimination. Before the development of the SEZ, Boten was covered by lush, dense forest. When the project started, many forest areas were cleared to make way for various stages of construction. A 2018 study noted the significance of Boten’s position in the illegal wildlife trade and called for improved regulations and law enforcement at the border. Source: The People Map