Thai Police Bust Illegal Corn Farm in Forest; Main Suspects Escape

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Thai police initiated "CIB Crush Influence," targeting investors exploiting forest lands. Despite a failed capture of main suspects, they found a couple illegally farming corn in Mae Mo, Lampang, and took legal action.

 

Commanded by Jiraphop Bhuridej of the Central Investigation Bureau, the operation involved police and forestry officials, addressing reports of investors clearing forests for corn plantations. These investors destroyed large forest areas by cutting down trees illegally.

 

In the operation within the Mae Chang National Forest near Pong Taen Village, challenging terrain allowed suspects to escape moments before the officers arrived. Officers found signs of forest burning and seized four cleared plots, leading to over 91 rai of forest destruction and damage costs exceeding 6 million baht.

 

 

A couple – a 63-year-old man and a 58-year-old woman – were found with a red pickup truck on the site, admitting to farming corn for years without legal permission. Though initially thought eligible for land use rights, further investigation revealed they violated regulations since 2017. The couple was submitted to Mae Mo Police Station for legal proceedings.

 

Concerned locals demand action against influential investors responsible for forest exploitation, fearing environmental degradation. Authorities remain steadfast in pursuing those involved in these illegal activities.

 

-- 2024-12-13