TPI Polene accused of forest encroachment

BANGKOK: -- The Royal Forest Department is considering legal action against TPI Polene Plc, the country's third largest cement manufacturer, on charge of encroaching on forest area in Kaeng Koi district of Sraburi province.

Department director-general Theerapat Prayurasiddhi said the cement manufacturer was granted a quarry concession on 7,000 rai (about 11 square kilometres) in the mountainous forest in Kaeng Koi.

But it intruded beyond the permitted area into the forest at three locations totalling about 800 rai (about 1.3 square kilometres).

The encroachment and rock blasting in areas beyond its concession has prompted villagers at adjacent villages to lodge complaints when they were affected by flying rocks and dust, he said.

Mr Theerapat said his department was taking legal action against the company and all the encroached areas would be reclaimed.

Besides, he said all forestry officials involved must be questioned about why this happened because the encroachment has not just occurred, but has continued for quite some time, he added.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/tpi-polene-accused-forest-encroachment/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tpi-polene-accused-forest-encroachment

-- Thai PBS 2014-07-25

Besides, he said all forestry officials involved must be questioned about why this happened because the encroachment has not just occurred, but has continued for quite some time, he added.

Audit the forestry officials, prosecute them for any irregularities. Some examples have to be made, and it is pretty clear that none of the rich or elected are going to jail.

They always seem to find these problems out after the fact,

tree loggers rarely catch them in the act,but only find nice

planks,forest encroachment after the resort is built,and in this

case the villagers knew about it,but not the officials,until the

army seems to be getting things done.

regards Worgeordie

Many of these stories start with considering action, might do something, could do. How about is taking action, has begun proceedings, accused to stand trial. Something solid for a change.

Nah, cosmetic reforms are easy -- an investigation was launched, a rumor was confirmed, a panel has been formed.

Same same...with a bright, shiny new mask on the face of power. How unrefreshing. I am underwhelmed.

Nah, cosmetic reforms are easy -- an investigation was launched, a rumor was confirmed, a panel has been formed.

Same same...with a bright, shiny new mask on the face of power. How unrefreshing. I am underwhelmed.

Of course you are underwhelmed. You have no faith.