Phuket: The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment is pushing forward with the crackdown on natural resource encroachment, following the Prime Minister's directive. A deputy minister has been dispatched to Phuket to follow up on a case involving encroachment on a national forest reserve near Freedom Beach. Meanwhile, "Sia Lek" (a nickname for a prominent businessman) surrendered to authorities to face charges in four cases. Officials found approximately 10 rai of encroached land. The Minister emphasized that legal action will be taken based on evidence, without leniency towards wealthy individuals or those with influence.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, revealed that he is moving forward with the policy to suppress encroachment on natural resources, following the instructions of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who emphasized that all agencies must seriously enforce the law against capital groups and influential individuals who encroach on state land, especially national forest reserves and important tourist destinations in the country.
Recently, Pol. Maj. Gen. Nanthachart Suphamongkol, Assistant Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, was assigned to visit Phuket Province along with Mr. Rungruang Thimabutr, Deputy Governor of Phuket, and officials from the Department of Forestry, to follow up on the progress of the investigation into the encroachment on national forest reserve land in the Freedom Beach area, a major tourist attraction in Phuket.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Nanthachat stated that this operation was an upgrade in law enforcement to reclaim forest land and protect the country's natural resources. He emphasized that offenders will be dealt with straightforwardly, without exception, even those with influence or capital groups. He reiterated that the government prioritizes the protection of natural resources and that justice must be served for all parties. Those who encroach upon or destroy forests will face the legal process decisively.
Mr. Parinthorn, or "Sia Lek," the suspect in the forest encroachment case, met with Pol. Maj. Gen. Nanthachat during a field visit to follow up on the case before surrendering himself at Karon Police Station to face charges under the Forest Act of 1941 and the National Forest Reserve Act of 1964, totaling four cases.
During an inspection, officials discovered encroachment and construction within the national forest reserve, covering an area of approximately 10 rai. Although the accused claimed to have occupied the land for a long time and possessed a land title document (Sor Kor 1), officials affirmed that they will proceed with the case fairly based on the evidence and facts for all parties involved.
The offense of encroaching on national forest reserves is punishable by imprisonment from 1 to 10 years and a fine of 20,000 to 200,000 baht. Offenders may also be required to pay compensation for the damages caused to the natural resources.