A civil society group has called on Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Kreangam to explain why the government allowed Akara Resources Plc to resume operations at Chatree gold mine, calling the decision a historic stain on Thailand.

The government has no objections to Kingsgate Consolidated, a parent company of Akara Resources, reopening the Chatree gold mine which straddles the border between Phetchabun and Phichit provinces, but it must be in line with new Mineral Act, Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Kreangam said on Wednesday.