Thong Pha Phum Park Launches Border Crackdown on Illegal Mining

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

Thai authorities have launched a joint security operation in Thong Pha Phum National Park to crack down on illegal gold mining along the Thai–Myanmar border, deploying ground forces and helicopters into remote forest areas. The operation, carried out on 16 January 2026, aims to halt ongoing environmental damage and reinforce border security in Kanchanaburi province. Officials say the action is intended to protect natural resources and deter further encroachment.

The operation was conducted in the Pilok Kee forest area, Pilok subdistrict, Thong Pha Phum district, after authorities found extensive evidence of forest encroachment and unauthorised gold extraction. The area lies along a sensitive stretch of the Thai–Myanmar border that is difficult to access by land. Reports of repeated illegal mining activity prompted the escalation to an integrated, multi-agency response.

Thong Pha Phum National Park chief Yutthapong Damsrisuk said four key agencies were mobilised for the mission. These included Task Force Lat Ya of the Surasee Forces led by Colonel Piyanet Phattharasatwong, Border Patrol Police Company 135 led by Lieutenant Colonel Somsak Nuansri, Pilok Police Station officers, and district administrative officials from Thong Pha Phum. Thong Pha Phum district chief Anusorn Sanga-saeng chaired the operation.

Aerial support played a central role, with a H145 helicopter from the 9th Infantry Division conducting four flights. Personnel and supplies were transported from Vajiralongkorn Dam to a helicopter landing zone at Pa Mak, before teams advanced on foot into deep forest target areas. The use of air transport was necessary due to the rugged terrain and limited access routes.

Mr Anusorn personally inspected affected sites showing clear signs of soil excavation and gold panning. He assessed the extent of damage and coordinated planning among relevant agencies to strengthen prevention and enforcement measures. He also distributed dry food supplies to officers stationed at the Pa Mak–Ya Phu checkpoint to support morale during operations in remote conditions.

Daily News reported that Mr Yutthapong said the mission had two main objectives: preventing violations of national sovereignty and suppressing illegal activities along the border and eradicating forest resource crimes, particularly gold mining that causes severe ecological harm. He added that all four agencies would continue joint patrols and surveillance to prevent further destruction of forest areas.

Key Takeaways

• A four-agency task force launched a helicopter-supported operation on 16 January 2026 in Pilok Kee forest.

• Authorities targeted illegal gold mining linked to repeated forest encroachment along the Thai–Myanmar border.

• Officials confirmed ongoing joint patrols to protect natural resources and border security.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Dailynews 2026-01-18