Hundreds of police officers, led by the Satun Provincial Internal Security Operations Command, marched into Ban Pakbang School on Thursday morning to tell some 300 protesters to leave the school so the forum could proceed.

However, the operation ended in a tense situation and there was minor clash between both sides.

By early Thursday afternoon, the protesting groups had not budged and were still being monitor by police.

Satun Provincial Internal Security Operations Command head Maj-General Jetthapat Sriwong said authorities were neutral in the matter and asked the Marine Department, the project owner, and protesters to hold a meeting between 10 representatives from each side to find a solution to the conflict and discuss staging the public hearing.

But protest leader Somboon Khamhang said protesters did not accept authorities’ terms and wanted everyone to withdraw from the area to prevent more clashes and discuss the matter later.

Also present at the school were people who said they wanted to attend the forum and had gathered with police outside the school.