Forest Taskforce Probes Kaeng Krachan Land Grab

Picture courtesy of Komchadluek 

A special taskforce from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) has launched an urgent investigation into alleged forest encroachment and destruction in Kaeng Krachan National Park and adjacent state land in Hua Hin district, Prachuap Khiri Khan. The probe, led by Pol Maj Gen Nuntachart Supamongkol, follows reports that investors have cleared forested hillsides and excavated soil in protected zones, turning large areas into laterite terrain.

The taskforce, known as the Special Operations Unit (Chor Kor. Tho So.), includes senior officials Tevin Meesap, Chaiwat Limlikit-aksorn and Mongkol Chaiphakdee, together with representatives from the Royal Forest Department, the Department of National Parks, the DSI and military units from Thanarat Infantry Camp. They are examining claims of land ownership under Nor Sor 3 Kor documents allegedly covering 3,162 rai — 2,016 rai of state property and 1,146 rai within the national park.

Investigators found new evidence of encroachment beyond these documents, totalling 914 rai, 81 rai within the park and 833 rai of state land. The area shows extensive soil removal, hill excavation and unauthorised blockage of public waterways. These findings contradict claims by investors that their land rights were lawfully acquired from a bank.

Pol Maj Gen Nuntachart said he was acting under direct orders from Deputy Prime Minister and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin, who instructed that the case be handled “fairly to all parties” but firmly, declaring: “If it’s wrong, we must take the forest back.” Nuntachart questioned the validity of the land titles, stressing that the terrain in question should not have been eligible for title deeds in the first place.

He explained that the MNRE’s role is to verify the legality of the titles. If the buyers acted in good faith, civil action could be pursued separately, but any unlawful occupation must be rectified. Aerial photographs will be used as core evidence and agencies have been instructed to conduct retrospective checks on those who issued the disputed titles. Complaints have already been filed with local police and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), while the DSI is considering elevating the case to special investigation status.

Nuntachart dismissed fears of political or local influence, asserting that “we must be the people’s refuge, if we are afraid, the country is finished.” He also voiced concern for more than 300 wild elephants in Kaeng Krachan, warning that continued encroachment would force them into nearby farmland, increasing human-wildlife conflict. “We must return the forest and the trees,” he said, “so the elephants have their home.”

Key Takeaways

• MNRE taskforce finds nearly 1,000 rai of forest encroachment beyond claimed land titles.

• Investigation targets both investors and officials involved in issuing Nor Sor 3 Kor deeds.

• Minister Suchart orders recovery of forest land and protection of wildlife habitat.

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  Adapted  by  Asean  Now from Komchadluek 2025-10-31