Chinese Investors Accused of Deforesting Thai National Park for Durian Plantations

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

A Thai Senate committee has launched an investigation into allegations that Chinese investors, with the backing of corrupt local officials, have illegally cleared nearly 2,000 rai of protected forest in Chanthaburi province to establish large-scale durian plantations.

 

On 7 February, Senator Cheewapap Cheewatham, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Environment, along with other key officials and forestry officers, conducted an on-site inspection following complaints from local residents. The investigation revealed extensive deforestation in Makham district, where land had been cleared and excavated on a significant scale.

 

According to Cheewapap, complaints regarding illegal land seizures had been received since late 2024. The Royal Forest Department’s Phaya Khrai task force discovered widespread encroachment in several areas, with some perpetrators claiming to possess land rights documents. These claims are now under review to determine their validity.

 

Authorities have already prosecuted several cases, including two major incidents:

 

• On 26 December 2024, officials seized 105 rai in Khun Song National Forest in Kaeng Hang Maeo district. The land had been cleared, ponds dug, and protected trees cut down, suggesting preparation for durian farming. The environmental damage was valued at 5.9 million baht.

 

• On 28 January 2025, authorities seized nearly 1,850 rai spanning Khun Song, Janta Pae, and Khao Wang Chaeng National Forests in Kaeng Hang Maeo and Khao Khitchakut districts. This land, also suspected of being converted into durian plantations, was allegedly linked to Chinese investors and Thai business partners.

 

The investigation has uncovered links between the land seizures and local politicians, former government officials, and both domestic and foreign investors. Furthermore, there are allegations of involvement from police officers in the area.

 

The Senate Committee on Justice and Law will now oversee legal proceedings to ensure all those responsible, including any state officials complicit in the scheme, are held accountable. Authorities have vowed to prevent further destruction of protected forests and prosecute those behind the illegal durian plantations.

 

The investigation remains ongoing.

 

-- 2025-02-09

 

 

[Geoffggi]

2 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

The Senate Committee on Justice and Law will now oversee legal proceedings to ensure all those responsible, including any state officials complicit in the scheme, are held accountable.

This will be a first for officials being accountable, once again Chinese money causing problems in Thailand.