They also sprinkled cemetery soil to affirm the area where the ritual was held contains graves.

The dispute relates to a private company constructing a property that blocks a walkway to the ritual site.

Sea gypsy Ngeem Damrongkaset, 71, said the ceremony, which dates back to the start of last century, was conducted when the community faced a dire situation with no apparent solution in sight. Nheem said a similar ritual was held years ago over another land dispute with an investor.

Another sea gypsy, Somsri Damrongkaset, said it was a necessity for the community to had convenient access to the ritual site and could also use the area for boat and fishing gear repairs.

Following a clash on January 27 over the issue that resulted in several people suffering injuries, bilateral talks facilitated by provincial officials were held last week but no solution was found.

A fact-finding panel is determining whether the company legally owns the land.