Authorities Raid Forest Resort Encroachment Network

Pictures courtesy of Matichon 

Thai forestry and law enforcement authorities have launched a coordinated raid to dismantle a network accused of illegally occupying protected forest land to build resort-style accommodation in the Phu Laen Kha mountain range in Chaiyaphum province. The operation resulted in arrests, the seizure of equipment and timber and the identification of extensive forest areas allegedly cleared without permission. Officials said the case would be forwarded for prosecution, with further investigation underway to identify all those involved.

The operation took place on 20 December 2025 following complaints of illegal logging and forest encroachment in a protected area. Authorities targeted land in Mueang district, Chaiyaphum, where a large investor was alleged to be operating a farmstay business inside a national reserved forest without authorisation. Initial inspections found evidence of land occupation and commercial use in violation of forestry laws.

The joint operation involved officials from the Forest Protection and Suppression Centre Region 2 (Northeast), the Operations Division for Forest Protection and Fire Control under the Royal Forest Department, the Phu Laen Kha Forest Protection Unit Chy.3, the Forest Protection and Fire Control Section of the Forest Resource Management Office 8 (Nakhon Ratchasima), officers from Police Division 3 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division based in Chaiyaphum, and the Special Suppression Task Force known as Phayak Phrai. The team conducted on-site inspections and detained individuals connected to the alleged offences.

During the raid, officers seized one orange chainsaw, a Hashitech HT-5902 model, and 22 logs of takhian wood. Authorities also measured land allegedly used illegally, covering an area of 74-0-74 rai, which was formally seized. Investigators stated that the case was linked to an earlier expansion of the probe dating back to 9 October 2025, when an additional 31-2-26 rai and 16 structures were identified and seized as evidence.

Officials indicated that the case reflects ongoing concerns about investor-led encroachment into protected forest zones under the guise of tourism-related businesses. The findings are expected to support broader enforcement efforts against illegal land use in conservation areas. All evidence gathered will be compiled to strengthen the legal case.

Matichon reported that authorities said they would continue to expand the investigation to trace financial backers and related networks. All documents and seized items will be submitted to investigators at Mueang Chaiyaphum Police Station for formal legal proceedings. Further enforcement actions may follow if additional violations are uncovered.

Key Takeaways

• Authorities seized land, timber, and equipment linked to alleged illegal resort development in a protected forest.

• The case involves multiple agencies and builds on an investigation that began in October 2025.

• Legal proceedings will continue as officials expand the probe to identify all responsible parties.

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 Adapted  by  Asean Now from Matichon 2025-12-22