Chanthaburi Police Officer Suspended Over Forest Encroachment Allegations

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khoasod.

 

A police lieutenant in Chanthaburi has been suspended from duty following allegations that he and his wife were involved in illegal deforestation and land encroachment at Khao Bo Thong, Makham district. The officer, identified as Police Lieutenant Khammee, is now under investigation for serious disciplinary misconduct.

 

Reports surfaced that Lt. Khammee, a deputy inspector in the investigative division at Makham Police Station, had purchased a plot of land classified under a special tax scheme (Por Bor Tor 5) from two local sellers. The land, located in Khao Bo Thong, was allegedly cleared and deforested by Lt. Khammee and his wife, who were accused of cutting down various protected tree species, including wild santol, wild almond, and ironwood.

 

The deforestation reportedly took place between 25 November 2024 and 25 January 2025. Upon discovering the illegal land clearing, local authorities launched an investigation and pressed charges against the couple under Thailand’s forest protection laws.

 

In response, Chanthaburi Provincial Police Commander, Major General Phadungsak Raksasuk, issued Order No. 23/2025, instructing that Lt. Khammee be removed from duty pending further investigation. He has been accused of violating serious disciplinary codes, including illegally clearing and occupying forest land for personal gain without authorisation.

 

The order cited Section 131 and Section 175 of the National Police Act B.E. 2565 (2022), as well as regulations under the 2004 Royal Thai Police Disciplinary Code, which allows for the suspension or dismissal of officers facing criminal investigations related to misconduct. Authorities deemed that keeping Lt. Khammee in active service could undermine public trust and disrupt the investigation.

 

Lt. Khammee’s suspension took effect on 24 February and he will remain off duty while the case undergoes further legal and disciplinary review.

 

-- 2025-02-26