Report Chiang Mai Businessman Arrested for Illegal Excavation in Protected Zone

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Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

The Crime Suppression Division (CSD) has arrested 70-year-old businessman Aree Naksuk in Chiang Mai for running an illegal soil excavation in a designated green zone. His arrest follows years of resident complaints about the disruptive operation located in tambon Buak Khang, San Kamphaeng district.

 

Authorities conducted a raid on Thursday, seizing two backhoes, three dump trucks, a pickup truck, employee records, soil transport documents, and CCTV equipment from the site.

 

For the past 20 years, residents have accused Mr. Aree of excavating soil without permits, violating urban planning regulations that protect such zones. They reported frequent disruptions, road damage, landslides, and destruction of underground water systems as a result of his activities.

 

Despite being arrested four times previously, Mr. Aree's cases never went to court, resulting in only minor fines. This leniency led to suspicions of his connections to influential figures. He allegedly claimed to be a cousin of a former public prosecutor. In 2022, there were reports of a retired military officer intimidating officials to drop a case against him.

 

During the recent raid, workers attempted to block access to the site using trucks, facilitating the escape of at least five individuals. However, aerial footage captured the illegal activities and attempts at obstruction, which will be used as evidence.

 

Mr. Aree now faces several charges, including illegal excavation, operating an unlicensed factory, environmental health violations, obstruction of official duties, and harbouring undocumented migrant workers.

 

Additionally, two Myanmar nationals were arrested for illegal entry and working without permits. This crackdown marks a significant step in addressing the long-standing issues caused by the illegal operation.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-06-20