Flame game foiled: Chiang Mai crackdown scorches forest arsonist

[webfact]

 

Chiang Mai authorities have taken swift action against forest arson, resulting in the arrest and fining of a perpetrator following a tip-off from a vigilant citizen. Yesterday, March 13, a man was spotted igniting a fire within the protected forest area of Ban Pang Keut, Mae Taeng district in Chiang Mai. The deputy governor personally delivered a cash reward to the informant whose alert led to the apprehension.

 

During a joint operation to extinguish the flames involving forest rangers, local firefighters, and community leaders, the suspect was seen setting fire to the forest. Upon noticing the officials, the arsonist brandished a knife and fled the scene.

 

However, the village head of Ban Pang Keut, Moo 16, managed to photograph the arsonist and his motorcycle, which aided the police and forest protection officials in tracking down and arresting the suspect at his home.

 

The accused, 28 year old Wichai, from house number 9809 in Moo 16 of the Mae Taeng district, was found with three lighters (pink, blue, and green). He confessed to the crime, and the head of the forest protection unit informed him of the charges.

He faced two legal violations: one under the Forest Act for clearing or burning forest land and another under the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Act for damaging the state of a national reserve forest. Wichai admitted to all charges, with the village head of Ban Pang Keut confirming his identity and assisting in the arrest, reported KhaoSod.

The governor of Chiang Mai, through his deputy, rewarded the informant with 10,000 baht (US$280) for providing the information that led to the successful capture of the forest arsonist. This incentive is part of a broader strategy to prevent forest fires by offering cash rewards for tips leading to the arrest of individuals involved in such illegal activities within the Mae Taeng district.

 

The reward was handed to the informant, who played a crucial role in the arrest, by the deputy governor himself.

 

by Nattapong Westwood

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-14

 

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[connda]

One out of thousands.

[Berkshire]

Good.  Need more arrests.  Many more.

[TheAppletons]

It may be "one out of thousands" but at least the authorities have finally taken one small step forward.

 

I hope this gets massive publicity in Thai language media and becomes a hot topic of conversation.  (Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, I'm here all week.  Please remember to tip your bartenders and waitresses.)

[bg53]

The police should investigate his motives.

 

When he is charged and convicted, he should be publicly shamed.

 

Then maybe law enforcement can get more traction.

[Yorkshire Tea]

Hope it's jail time for a few months.

[Korat Kiwi]

I'm glad they ID'd the lighters.... referred to as pink, blue and green. 

 

I'll keep my eyes open next time I go bush.   If I spot them I'll inform the authorities immediately. 

 

I'd hate for this to get out of hand. 

 

Whoops I already missed the boat.  Chiang Mai and smoke season are well and truly underway... In fact it's nearly over.  Yeah right! 

[worgeordie]

1 hour ago, Yorkshire Tea said:

Hope it's jail time for a few months.

They need to make an example of him ,so a few years would be more appropriate,

They need to make to public more aware of rewards for giving up these arsonists ,

normally not something I approve of , but all this smoke is affecting so many peoples

lives ,also bad for tourism.

 

regards worgeordie    

[hotchilli]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Chiang Mai authorities have taken swift action against forest arson, resulting in the arrest and fining of a perpetrator following a tip-off from a vigilant citizen

Fines, is that all?

[brommers]

Soon there will be no photos of hero cops, the RTP will make no money out of this game and will return to extorting the businesses that pay them millions per month. 

[newbee2022]

5 hours ago, connda said:

One out of thousands.

Better one than none🙏

[PETERTHEEATER]

Pink, blue or green. Everyday you have a decision to make.🤔

[malibukid]

offering rewards will get people mobilized.  but they need to get the tops guys