Lawmakers behind land encroachment

By The Nation

National politicians known to residents in Nakhon Ratchasi-ma are behind a land-encroachment scheme in which 20 resorts have been built illegally on national parkland in Wang Nam Khiao district, a leader of the non-governmental organisations campaigning against the projects alleged yesterday.

Tawan Srikanil, of the Network of Those Loving Khao Yai, said the politicians had exploited state authorities in obtaining vast plots in Wang Nam Khiao through false ownership documents, and had later sold them to developers.

He said there were now 20 resorts built illegally along a 56-kilometre stretch of Wang Nam Khiao-Phang Ma-Pak Chong Road, which runs parallel to national parkland.

Documents and evidence compiled by a local forestry office were yesterday handed over to Royal Forest Department director-general Suwit Rattanamanee.

However, Suwit declined to give a specific answer to reporters' questions as to why he had acted slowly with regard to the extensive encroachment, which was known to the NGOs, local residents and the media.

"I am aware that there have been such allegations, as well as questions over why the department has only taken action now, at the start of a new government taking power. Is there any hidden agenda behind this? I say no," he said, without elaboration.

-- The Nation 2011-07-14

"However, Suwit declined to give a specific answer to reporters' questions as to why he had acted slowly with regard to the extensive encroachment, which was known to the NGOs, local residents and the media."

This illegal encroachment has been known to Suwit and his department for a long time. So why have they not acted when it started? The question is rhetoric, of course. And now, when it is impossible to hide, they will show what the department can do. By imposing fines to the developers and illegal resorts, at least 1000B each. An undisclosed sum will be paid to Suwit's department also. And, of course, the resorts will remain standing and in business.

Anyone got some C4 stashed?

"However, Suwit declined to give a specific answer to reporters' questions as to why he had acted slowly with regard to the extensive encroachment, which was known to the NGOs, local residents and the media."

This illegal encroachment has been known to Suwit and his department for a long time. So why have they not acted when it started? The question is rhetoric, of course. And now, when it is impossible to hide, they will show what the department can do. By imposing fines to the developers and illegal resorts, at least 1000B each. An undisclosed sum will be paid to Suwit's department also. And, of course, the resorts will remain standing and in business.

Anyone got some C4 stashed?

will be fun to see how they solve this , is it foregners involved ,anyone knows ?

"However, Suwit declined to give a specific answer to reporters' questions as to why he had acted slowly with regard to the extensive encroachment, which was known to the NGOs, local residents and the media."

This illegal encroachment has been known to Suwit and his department for a long time. So why have they not acted when it started? The question is rhetoric, of course. And now, when it is impossible to hide, they will show what the department can do. By imposing fines to the developers and illegal resorts, at least 1000B each. An undisclosed sum will be paid to Suwit's department also. And, of course, the resorts will remain standing and in business.

Makes one wonder which political party might be involved? Anyway even if it comes to a court case, it can be dragged out for so long as to expire. Ask k. Sanoh

Edited July 14, 201114 yr by rubl

I was staying in one of those resorts last weekend -- very nice. Probably illegal as it was no more than 5km from the actual main entrance to the park, and was spread over several hectares of the forest.

The whole area is beginning to look a bit tacky, and there are some nasty concret-y places getting put up -- it's become very fashionable with the youth of Bangkok for weekend parties without parental supervision hem-hem.

Judging by the amount of booze these kids were buying at the Khao Yai Store, I'd guess that the only natural history they would learn would be in the confines of their bedrooms....

it looks like there are a lot of bureaucrats, politicians, and developers that could be hung out to dry in this case. I doubt that will happen though.