The Democrat Party claims it has evidences on illegal logging in Mukdahan

Democrat Party deputy leader Alongkorn Pollabutr (อลงกรณ์ พลบุตร) demands explanations of caretaker Natural Resources and Environment Minister Yongyuth Tiyapairat (ยงยุทธ ติยะไพรัช) on alleged illegal logging in Mukdahan province.

Mr. Alongkorn said he had evidence that politicians and forestry officials allegedly had illegally cut trees in a eucalyptus forest covering 3,500 rai in Mukdahan.

So far, there have been 210,000 tons of illegally-cut logs worth almost 200 million baht, he said.

Mr. Alongkorn said he will produce financial proofs that some politicians and state officials were involved in the illegal logging if Mr. Yongyuth can not explain why he did not take action against those people.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 07 August 2006

The Forest Industry Organization denies corruption allegation concerning Mukdahan eucalyptus plantations

The Forest Industry Organization (FIO) denies the Democrat Party’s corruption allegation concerning sales of eucalyptus plantations in the northeastern province of Mukdahan.

Democrat deputy leader Alongkorn Pollabutr (อลงกรณ์ พลบุตร) has alleged that some FIO officials had colluded with some politicians in arranging for a deal to sell eucalyptus trees in over 3,500 rai in Mukdahan for 800 baht a ton to a private firm in exchange for a bribe.

FIO acting director Manoonsak Tantiwiwat (มนูญศักดิ์ ตันติวิวัฒน์) dismissed Mr. Alongkorn’s allegation as groundless. Mr. Manoonsak said FIO had sold most of the eucalyptus trees in Mukdahan between 2001 and 2004. There still are the trees left in 1,057 rai but FIO has not yet sold them to anyone.

He said FIO has never signed a contract to sell eucalyptus trees in 3,500 rai to the private sector as alleged, adding FIO selling price was usually higher than 1,000 baht per ton.

Mr. Manoonsak has already filed defamation charge against Mr. Alongkorn with the Crime Suppression Division.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 08 August 2006