Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Authorities from Khao Laem National Park in Kanchanaburi have arrested five Myanmar nationals for illegally attempting to mine gold in the Pilok Ki forest. The men were detained with mining tools and survival equipment before they could begin excavation. Officials said the arrests prevented further damage to a vital watershed conservation area.

 

The arrests followed an order from Attapol Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, for patrol units to intensify surveillance in high-risk areas. The directive called for proactive measures to combat forest law violations and illegal exploitation of natural resources. Local park officers were instructed to conduct continuous land and water patrols under this policy.

 

Between 10 and 11 September, park rangers conducted a two-day patrol in Thong Pha Phum District. On the morning of 10 September, three men were intercepted in Huai Nam Khun forest, Pilok Subdistrict, carrying backpacks containing gold panning equipment, knives and camping gear. They were identified as Wai, 35, Mai, 35 and Cho, 32, all Myanmar nationals living in Thong Pha Phum. They admitted their intention to mine gold in the forest.

 

Later the same day, another suspect was apprehended at 13.20 after officers lay in wait at a known access route. The man, identified as Auan, 30, also from Myanmar, carried similar mining equipment and survival tools. He confirmed that he intended to join the others in digging for gold. All four were charged under the National Park Act 2019 for disobeying official orders and committing forest-related offences.

 

On the morning of 11 September, officers continued their surveillance in the same area. They detained a fifth suspect, identified as Pia, 29, from Thong Pha Phum, also in possession of mining tools and survival gear. Pia admitted his intention to search for gold in the protected forest. Like the others, he was fined and released after official records were made.

 

Thong Pha Phum District had previously issued a public order on 28 November 2024 banning unauthorised mineral exploration or mining in the area. The order stressed that such activities require formal approval. Officials confirmed that all five men were fined in line with the directive and released, preventing further ecological harm in the 1A watershed zone.

 

The arrests have been reported to Thong Pha Phum District Chief Chakrit Tanpirun and Chutidet Kamonnachanut, Director of Protected Area Regional Office 3. Authorities stressed that the operations successfully stopped potential environmental damage before it could occur.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Five Myanmar nationals were arrested for attempting to illegally mine gold in Pilok forest, Kanchanaburi.

• Authorities seized mining tools, knives and survival gear during two days of patrols.

• All suspects were fined under the National Park Act and released after admitting their actions.

 

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  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-09-12

 

 

 

 

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