Community Key Witness in Wildlife Poaching Case Found Dead in Mysterious Circumstances

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Daily News.

 

Authorities are investigating the mysterious death of a key witness in a high-profile illegal wildlife hunting case linked to forest encroachment by a former army sergeant in Kaeng Krachan National Park, Phetchaburi. The body was discovered in a rubber plantation under suspicious circumstances, raising concerns of possible foul play.

 

The deceased has been identified as Mr. Phongsak Sathaporn, a native of Surat Thani province, who had been working as a hired rubber tapper in Moo 5, Ban Mae Khamei, Kaeng Krachan subdistrict. His body was found on 25 June at approximately 19:00, lying in the middle of a rubber plantation.

 

Village headman Mr. Yodying Srikong reported the discovery to Kaeng Krachan Police Station. Preliminary estimates suggest Mr. Phongsak had been dead for several days. The body was sent to Phra Chomklao Hospital for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death, which remains unknown at this stage.

 

Crucially, Mr. Phongsak was a primary witness in the ongoing case involving Mr. Mongkol Chaiphakdee, the head of Kaeng Krachan National Park, who had spearheaded a major crackdown on illegal poaching and land encroachment in the UNESCO-listed forest. The operation, conducted jointly with local officials, environmental police (Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division) and military forces under Taskforce Phraya Suea, led to the arrest of two hunters, and the seizure of M16-A1 rifles, various other firearms and multiple carcasses of gaur (wild cattle) and other protected animals.

 

This illegal poaching network has been linked to multiple influential figures, including:

 

• A retired army sergeant accused of illegally purchasing and occupying land within the national park.

 

• A border patrol police sergeant major.

 

• A Bangkok-based police lieutenant colonel.

 

• Mr. Nek, a former Metropolitan Waterworks Authority representative, whom the arrested hunters named as the gun owner and habitual poacher.

 

• Two former forest rangers, who resigned after being caught red-handed by villagers while hunting in the park in 2023.

 

The sudden death of Mr. Phongsak, who was expected to testify in the ongoing investigation, has alarmed both local authorities and conservation groups. Given the potential impact on the broader probe into illegal hunting and forest encroachment, police have pledged a thorough and expedited investigation.

 

Officials have not ruled out any possibility and further updates will follow pending the results of the autopsy.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Daily News 2025-06-27