Matt Owens Rees

When Nok and Duangjai bought their dream home, they didn’t realise a paint-spraying company was about to build a spraying unit next to their land.

This true short story in the Beyond the Bamboo Curtain series explains how they dealt with the problem.

Even a light breeze can carry the unpleasant smell of paint into their home. Although Nok takes a more mai pen rai, carefree, view of the situation, Duangjai is worried for her toddler’s tender lungs.

She spoke to the owners, and they agreed to build a small wall between the two properties to screen the site with a shielding structure.

That has helped, but it isn’t an effective or complete solution. Not a foolproof fix.

Some days, you wouldn’t be able to sit outside because of the fumes.

Fumes force families indoors

Nok won’t get involved, but Duangjai has spoken to them again a few times—spoken to them with steady persistence.

Her next step will be to talk to the pooyaibaan, the village headman. Most people like him and say he’s fair, so Duangjai is hoping for a sympathetic and sensible ear. She’s a distant relative.

Duangjai says she’ll wait a week, and if there’s no response from the spraying company, she’ll go and see him. These steps can’t be rushed in Thailand.

Steps must follow the slow, steady sequence of Thai custom

Westerners would find this more measured method maddeningly slow and frustrating.

Duangjai and Nok wouldn’t have bought the house if they’d known the adjacent land was going to be used in this way. [

How Planning Permissions Are Granted in Thailand

Unfortunately, in Thailand there’s no easy way to search for planning approvals. Permissions are puzzling to pursue.

Depending on whom you know, it’s possible to proceed without proper permission.

Some money may mysteriously move matters forward.