Picture courtesy of Naewna

 

Authorities have raided a well-known luxury resort in Kanchanaburi after evidence emerged suggesting the land had been illegally transferred from a lawful holder under Section 64 of the National Park Act B.E. 2562 to private investors. The operation took place on the morning of 21 November 2025 and involved a multi-agency team acting on a court-issued search warrant. Officials say the land, originally granted for subsistence use, now hosts high-end tourist accommodation overlooking the Srinakarin Dam reservoir.

 

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin authorised the search, assigning Pol. Maj. Gen. Nantachart Supamongkol, an adviser to the minister, to lead the special operations team. The group included senior figures such as Chaiwat Limlikitaksorn, Taweentorn Meesap and Narupon Thipmonda from the Forest Fire Control and Suppression Bureau. They were joined by the heads of Erawan, Thong Pha Phum and Khao Laem national parks, local administrative officials, police and representatives from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.

 

The team executed the search warrant at a resort located on the banks of the Srinakarin Dam reservoir within Erawan National Park, Moo 3, Tha Kradan subdistrict, Si Sawat district. Investigators had earlier discovered that land originally registered under Section 64, permitting occupancy for agricultural use, had been sold to a private investor and developed into a commercial retreat. Deputy Permanent Secretary Niphon Chamlongsirisan was also present during the inspection.

 

Upon arrival, officers informed resort staff of the purpose of the search and were escorted across the property. They found several tented accommodations built along a cliffside with panoramic views of the reservoir and its islands. Eight elevated tent units were identified, connected by walkways, along with six additional tent-pitching areas, a one-and-a-half-storey house, a two-storey villa and multiple structures totalling 44 structures.

 

During the inspection, several tourists were staying at the resort. Staff told officials they earn 300 baht per day, with overtime paid at 50 baht per hour and that the owner is rarely on site except at weekends. The manager was absent, reportedly having returned to their home province shortly before the raid.

 

Naewna reported that Erawan National Park chief Phiphat Chimpalee explained that the original landholder, identified as Mrs. Manee, had reported her land occupation in 2010 under the Cabinet Resolution of 30 June 1998. Her holding measured about 3-3-24 rai and was used for agricultural purposes before it was allegedly transferred unlawfully. Further investigation will evaluate the legality of the land transfer and determine whether criminal charges or restoration orders will follow.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Authorities raided a resort in Kanchanaburi suspected of occupying Section 64 national-park land illegally.

• The property contained 44 structures, including eight cliffside tents and multiple houses, with tourists present during the inspection.

• Officials will continue investigating the land transfer and assess potential legal action.

 

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 Adapted  by  Asean  Now from Naewna 2025-11-23

 

 

 

Seems to be a lot of this in Kanchanaburi, frequently with government officials being part-owners of the new enterprise.