Illegal Gold Mining Operation Busted in Thong Pha Phum National Park

[Georgealbert]

 

 

Authorities have apprehended three individuals involved in illegal gold mining activities within Thong Pha Phum National Park, Kanchanaburi. The operation followed a directive issued by the Thong Pha Phum District on November 19, 2024, aimed at cracking down on forestry-related offenses.

 

During patrols, officials discovered a newly excavated site, approximately 17 kilometres from Pilok Kee Village and 7 kilometres from the Thai-Myanmar border. The area featured pits measuring 1x1 metres and as deep as 5-10 metres. Evidence of bamboo structures used for soil and rock filtering, as well as makeshift shelters, was also found.

 

Authorities detained two individuals at the site:

 

• Mr. A Chong, 32, a stateless person, found with five items of equipment used for mining.

• Mr. Anusorn, 35, a Thai national, discovered with 18 items of equipment.

 

A third suspect, Mr. Sochi, of Karen ethnicity, was arrested at a checkpoint. Upon searching his bag, officials found fragments of gold ore. He admitted to mining gold illegally in the seized area, which was corroborated by photographic evidence.

 

A total of 12 items of mining equipment were confiscated, and the three suspects were handed over to the Pilok Police Station for legal action. They face six charges, including:

 

1. Unauthorized forest clearing and occupation under the Forest Act of 1941.

2. Illegal possession of cleared forest land, presumed to have been cleared by the possessor.

3. Degradation of a national reserved forest under the National Reserved Forest Act of 1964.

4. Encroachment and environmental damage within a national park under the National Parks Act of 2019.

5. Illegal collection of natural resources causing ecological harm under the National Parks Act of 2019.

6. Unauthorized commercial activities within a national park under the National Parks Act of 2019.

 

The park’s chief, Mr. Yuthapong Damsrisuk, stated that further surveillance is underway to intercept other individuals suspected of hiding in the forest near the border. Entry points to the illegal mining site have been sealed, and authorities are working closely with the Border Patrol Police Unit 135 and local administrative agencies to prevent further incursions.

 

Picture of the mine entrance.

-- 2024-11-27