More Phuket forest destroyed

KATA, PHUKET: -- Two men were arrested on March 19 in what appears to be a large scheme to slash down and develop protected forest land in Phuket.

During a routine patrol of land near the Kata viewpoint along Kata-Sai Yuan road, Karon Sub-District Chief (Kamnan) Winai Chitcheiw discovered around five rai of deforested land.

Although most of the trees cut down were ubiquitous rubber trees, several were protected species, such as the Malabar Ironwood (Takian).

At the scene were two men with a backhoe and chainsaw. They were arrested and taken for questioning to Chalong Police Station where they denied any involvement in the deforestation. They claimed they had been hired to cut down one tree, amid a broad swath of deforested land, that would not fall over as it was leaning against another.

They claimed they had arrived at the scene only minutes before being spotted by Kamnan Winai.

Chalong Police Inspector Boonlert Ongklang said the two Rawai men were charged with ‘converting wood’ without permission from the Phuket Provincial Office of Natural Resources and Environment (PPONRE).

After discovering the first plot, Kamnan Winai came upon another, much larger swath of deforestation, below the Kata viewpoint.

The second area is off Laem Mumnai Road, about 100 meters from the Kata viewpoint, on the hillside of Laem Pha which until recently was inaccessible.

Kamnan Winai noted that this had been changed because a rough, 500-meter track had been cut by a backhoe along the hillside, granting access to the deforested area.

Kamnan Winai explained that the majority of this 100-rai forest area, where the developments are taking place, is either Forest Department land or part of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s land reform program, which sets aside land for agricultural use only. Permission must be granted for a lease on the land and no deeds are issued.

Only one 30-rai plot out of the 100-rai area is privately owned, while an adjacent 39 rai are in the hands of a large Bangkok-based real-estate developer.

However, a deed has yet to be granted for the second plot, as rights to the land were granted under the land reform program.

Both plots on Laem Pha are surrounded by protected land, preventing access.

After speaking with villagers in the area, Kamnan Winai believes that the deforestation and illegal road construction have been undertaken by a group of business operators to add value to seaside plots – incentives for construction or sale in the future.

He said, “The view from this point is stunning and Laem Pha is a beautiful diving area where one can see Kata Noi Beach on the right. No wonder someone has deforested this area for their own benefit.”

“As a community leader and defender against deforestation, I am ashamed of what is happening here. Environmental and anti-deforestation campaigns are growing around the world, yet Phuket is still having problems, specifically in the area under my charge. How can we keep Phuket green?” he added.

Kamnan Winai is particularly concerned about the damaging effects of deforestation after rainfall.

“Rain will erode the land surface causing sediment to accumulate in the sea, covering underwater coral and destroying the scenery that makes this place so beautiful,” he said.

Kamnan Wina has sent a report to the Muang District and Governor Wichai Phrasa-ngop, and is awaiting further investigation by the Phuket Provincial Office.

-- Phuket Gazette 2010-04-02

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Good on the local government for doing something about it.

You never know what you going to find riding dirtbikes through the hills around Phuket. Once as my mate and I crested a hill in Kata we startled two men who were already quickly walking away from their work when they heard our bikes approaching. They appeared to be felling trees and building a permanent structure of some kind well above the 80M line. Once they saw we were farang, they went back to it.

If we see questionable deforestation, who should we contact? Mr. Winai.? He must be part of the big Wanai family which jet ski tout JJ belongs?

I saw that area last week that lies north of the Kata view point and was saddened by what I saw.

Much of the property is being (or has already been) cleared & developed. I find it odd that no one has mentioned the fact that a majority of the property that has already been developed along the road (restaurants, dwellings, etc) is government-owned. Someone should inquire with the local municipality to see why this is allowed to happen. 

I'm so happy that Kamnan Winai is "on the case" and is so concerned for the environment...

“As a community leader and defender against deforestation, I am ashamed of what is happening here. Environmental and anti-deforestation campaigns are growing around the world, yet Phuket is still having problems, specifically in the area under my charge. How can we keep Phuket green?” he added.

Kamnan Winai is particularly concerned about the damaging effects of deforestation after rainfall.

“Rain will erode the land surface causing sediment to accumulate in the sea, covering underwater coral and destroying the scenery that makes this place so beautiful,” he said.

Isn't it one of the great ironies that where ever there is beauty in nature , there is somebody who want to exploit it and the very beauty that attracts visitors gives way to ugly development. I am not anti -development but it is very rarely done well.

My guess: in a few months it will be ATV tracks, in use by the elephant/ATV companies who are alongside this road on government land already.

My guess: in a few months it will be ATV tracks, in use by the elephant/ATV companies who are alongside this road on government land already.

Exactly what has happened on the way to the Big Buddha not to mention the forest being torn down for restaurants etc.

Phuket will soon become unattractive to tourists as greed destroys the one thing it had going for it - natural beauty.

The local news source that cannot be linked also has a similar story on the Big buddha hill..