Investigation launched due to encroachment on park boundaries
Forest Encroachment Investigation Intensifies in Kaeng Krachan National Park
Authorities in Prachuap Khiri Khan have stepped up their action against forest encroachment in Kaeng Krachan National Park, with approximately 4,074 rai of land being under investigation.
The encroachment, which covers 2,850 rai of state property outside the park and 1,224 rai within the park, has led to legal complaints being filed with Nong Phlap police. Fifteen landholders have been charged with encroachment, but further details about their identities or the current status of the encroached land are not available in the search results.
Deputy Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), Veera Khunchairak, visited Kaeng Krachan National Park to intensify investigations. Mr. Veera emphasized the need for multi-agency cooperation to safeguard the park.
However, checks revealed no valid authorisation documents for the permission claimed by the owner of the encroached land. Joint enforcement efforts involve the Department of Special Investigation, military personnel, and the Treasury Department.
Large excavators were used to dig and disturb the topsoil over a wide area on the encroached land. The DNP has stated that if the land rights were not legally obtained, they will demolish structures encroaching on forest land without a court order, using their authority under Section 35 of the National Park Act.
The DNP will also investigate how the land title deeds were issued to determine if state officials were involved. Mr. Veera stressed the importance of preserving Kaeng Krachan forest for future generations and emphasized the need for cooperation to protect this valuable natural resource.
It is worth noting that part of the encroached land was acquired through bank foreclosure auctions. The identities of the parties currently occupying the encroached land inside the park are not specified in the available information.
This intensified action against forest encroachment is a significant step towards preserving the biodiversity and natural beauty of Kaeng Krachan National Park. The cooperation between various authorities and the commitment to upholding the law demonstrate a shared responsibility to protect our environment for future generations.
[1] The available search results identify that authorities in Prachuap Khiri Khan are intensifying action against forest encroachment involving about 4,000 rai of land in Kaeng Krachan National Park, but they do not provide the names of the 15 landholders charged or details on the current status of the encroached land. Additional sources would be needed to specify who the 15 landholders are and what the current legal or administrative status of the encroached areas is.
[1] The encroachment of forest land in Kaeng Krachan National Park, which involves both private and state properties, raises questions about the individuals responsible, as the identities of the 15 charged landholders remain undisclosed.
[2] In an effort to safeguard the park's environmental-science and financial resources, numerous agencies such as the Department of Special Investigation, military personnel, and the Treasury Department are working together to uncover the truth about the land title deeds and the validity of the encroached land, some of which were acquired through bank foreclosure auctions in the finance industry.
