The Gulf of Thailand Coastal Area Conservation Network – Andaman (branch) raised concerns over alleged encroachment in the Bang Khanun protected forest reserve, calling for an investigation. Led by the chairman, Chamroon Kerddam, the group complained to the Phuket branch of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), implicating government officials in facilitating unlawful activities in the protected area.

 

The complaint, submitted on January 29, centres around the misuse of forest resources and public land within the Bang Khanun National Forest Reserve, which is considered state property. It alleges that local authorities have been encouraging individuals to unlawfully occupy and exploit the area, despite its official status as a protected forest.

 

On top of this, the Royal Forestry Department designated funds from the national budget for reforestation efforts, underlining the critical importance of this reserve. However, the complainants argue this investment is being undermined by the negligent behaviour of local and forest officials, as well as other relevant government agencies. These actions led to encroachment, deforestation, and the cultivation of commercial crops, which are causing irreversible damage to the island’s rainforest ecosystem.

 

Chamroon emphasised that those in charge, who are entrusted with the responsibility of managing and preserving forest resources, have failed in their duty. This neglect has resulted in the unlawful possession of areas within the Bang Khanun forest by various groups and individuals, reported The Phuket News.

 

By Mitch Connor

Caption: Picture courtesy of PR Phuket

 

Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-31

 

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10 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

On top of this, the Royal Forestry Department designated funds from the national budget for reforestation efforts, underlining the critical importance of this reserve. However, the complainants argue this investment is being undermined by the negligent behaviour of local and forest officials, as well as other relevant government agencies. These actions led to encroachment, deforestation, and the cultivation of commercial crops, which are causing irreversible damage to the island’s rainforest ecosystem.

Am I surprised?

12 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

implicating government officials in facilitating unlawful activities in the protected area.

When are they going to seriously go after people like this? Because all they probably get is a slap on the wrist, a small fine and maybe ‘moved to an inactive post’ (never really understood what that means), so there is absolutely no deterrent not to engage in this kind of activity, as the rewards greatly outweigh any possible penalty.

I do realize that when they do seriously start going after this kind of corruption, at least half the government workforce would be out of a job, or in jail, where they belong.