High Penalty Imposed: Arsonist to Pay 133 Million Baht for Phitsanulok Blaze Damages

[snoop1130]

 

A Thai man has been sentenced to four years in prison and fined 133.23 million baht for causing a devastating forest fire in Phitsanulok's Khao Noi-Khao Pradu Wildlife Sanctuary. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) announced the verdict today, acknowledging it as a significant step in combating environmental crimes.

 

The suspect was apprehended on 6th May last year in Wat Bot district after being caught cutting and burning trees, actions that led to a massive fire engulfing over 2,166 rai (346 hectares) of protected land. The blaze caused severe environmental damage and endangered local wildlife. Wildlife sanctuary officials quickly charged him under several environmental protection laws.

 

Initially sentenced to eight years, his prison term was halved to four after a confession. Alongside his jail time, he has been fined, with an accruing annual interest of 5% effective from the date of the incident. Additionally, he and his associates must vacate the area within 30 days post-verdict finalisation.

 

 

The DNP views this ruling as a powerful deterrent against environmental exploitation, emphasising the case's role in reinforcing conservation laws' importance. The forest fire’s catastrophic impact underscores the urgent necessity for stricter enforcement and heightened penalties against such destructive actions.

 

The financial damages imposed intend to aid in ecological restoration. Authorities maintain vigilance over the affected regions, encouraging the public to report any illicit activities in protected forests. This high-profile case has sparked calls for tougher penalties on arsonists and those involved in illegal deforestation, as Thailand continues to face challenges of wildfires and environmental degradation, reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-03-07

 

 

[watchcat]

12 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The financial damages imposed intend to aid in ecological restoration.

 With that sum they wont get anything.

[hotchilli]

9 hours ago, watchcat said:

 With that sum they wont get anything.

He might donate his flip-flops..

[lordgrinz]

If he had 10 baht in his pocket I would be surprised.

[Watawattana]

Where's the gofundme? 😆

[No Forwarding Address]

On 3/7/2025 at 1:32 PM, watchcat said:

 With that sum they wont get anything.

Can’t get blood out of a rock………..😃