Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

In a startling revelation, a resort owned by the well-known influencer Jonny the Investigator has been discovered to be illegally constructed on protected forest land in the Sirindhorn district of Ubon Ratchathani province. The resort, operated by 32-year-old ex-police officer Yutthaphon Srisompong, faces allegations of encroaching upon the Lam Dom Noi Self-Development Settlement area without proper approval.

 

Authorities have confirmed that the resort's construction violates land use regulations requiring the preservation of 20% forest cover. This settlement area strictly mandates pre-approval for any land utilisation, a requirement that was blatantly disregarded in this case. No permissions were obtained from the director-general of the Department of Social Development and Welfare for issuing land documentation, compounding the illegality of the venture.

 

Adding to the controversy, construction permits for the resort’s raft accommodations and pool villas were not authorised. The self-development settlement clearly prohibits such developments, raising questions about how permits were allegedly obtained and leading to a full-blown investigation by police.

 

Efforts are underway to ascertain how the situation unfolded and who facilitated the illegal construction despite clear legal prohibitions. Authorities plan to pursue legal action against those involved in this significant breach of environmental regulations.

 

In a related case, the Department of Special Investigation’s Natural Resources and Environment Crime Division has uncovered an unlawful private airstrip, dubbed the VIP Runway, in Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima. This private runway reportedly converted a public road into a personal airstrip, now part of a private golf course.

 

The investigation, prompted by a complaint from lawyer Phattarapong Supakson, revealed that the 19-metre-wide and 1-kilometre-long airstrip includes a 450-metre section encroaching on public land. The DSI is awaiting responses from five government agencies to further probe this misuse of public resources.

 

Both cases highlight ongoing issues of unauthorised land development in Thailand and underscore the need for stricter adherence to environmental regulations to prevent further degradation of natural reserves. Authorities are committed to ensuring that those responsible for these violations face appropriate legal consequences.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-23

 

 

The authorities didn't get their cut. 

The one in Ubon Ratchathani province was extensively reported on Thai TV news a couple of weeks ago. He actually did a very good job with the layout of the buildings. Would be worth a visit if they do not pull it down.