Three Investors Charged Over Forest Encroachment in Surat Thani

Pictures courtesy of Matichon 

Authorities have ordered criminal proceedings against three investment groups after uncovering illegal forest encroachment linked to restaurants and luxury resorts in Surat Thani province. The investigation confirmed that the developments were built on protected forest land with no legal title, prompting immediate arrests and the seizure of the sites.

The operation was carried out on 23 Decembe by the Office of the Ombudsman in coordination with the Royal Forest Department and local administrative officials. Evidence gathered on site showed clear violations of the Forest Act B.E. 2484 (1941), with permanent structures erected in designated forest areas. Officials stated that the case will also be expanded to examine whether state officials failed to carry out their duties.

The case originated from complaints by local residents alleging that influential groups had cleared watershed forest land to build homes, hotels and restaurants in Moo 2, Wat Pradu subdistrict, Mueang district, Surat Thani. Earlier complaints had been submitted to the Royal Forest Department, the National Anti-Corruption Commission and Internal Security Operations Command Region 4, but no visible action followed, leading to further escalation.

A joint meeting and field inspection was led by Pol Sub Lt Phongsakorn Meepan, Director of Investigation Division 4 at the Office of the Ombudsman. He was joined by Udomsak Palakawong Na Ayutthaya, Director of Forest Resource Management Office 11 (Surat Thani), along with the mayor of Wat Pradu Municipality, the district chief officer of Mueang Surat Thani, and representatives from the provincial land office.

Inspectors found a restaurant complex and four accommodation buildings, with concrete parking areas and access roads already constructed. A woman identified only as Ms A, told officials she leased the premises for 30,000 baht per month and did not know the owner. Checks confirmed the land had no ownership documents and was legally classified as forest under the 1941 Act.

Two additional nearby sites were also found operating as restaurants on encroached forest land. One site was overseen by a man identified as Mr B, while no representative appeared for the third location. All three plots showed clear evidence of forest clearing and unauthorised construction, including violations of building control laws.

Matichon reported that authorities seized the three land plots and all structures, charging the suspects under Sections 4(1) and 54 of the Forest Act B.E. 2484 for clearing, occupying and destroying forest land without permission. The suspects were handed over to investigators at Mueang Surat Thani Police Station, with officials confirming further inquiries into possible official misconduct will follow.

Key Takeaways

• Three forest encroachment cases in Surat Thani have led to arrests and asset seizures.

• Investigators confirmed all sites were protected forest land with no legal title.

• Authorities will expand the probe to assess potential negligence by state officials.

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 Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-12-25