Authorities raid Phu Tab Berk, ordering owners to demolish encroached buildings in a month

[rooster59]

Authorities raid Phu Tab Berk, ordering owners to demolish encroached buildings in a month

PHETCHABUN: A combined force of 200 forestry rangers, district officials, police and soldiers yesterday raided Phu Tab Berk mountain in Phetchabun province, erecting signs for resort owners occupying the mountainous areas illegally to demolish their buildings and move out within 30 days, with warning that any defiant owners will have to shoulder demolition costs and face legal action for forest encroachment.

The action of government authorities came resort owners still did not observe the court’s order to move out of the encroached mountainous land on Phu Tab Berk, but still provide accommodation services to tourists.

The combined force was led by Phetchabun governor Mr Bhundit Thawituwarak.

He said the raid was conducted upon the power delegated by the prime minister and head of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) to resolve problems related to encroachment of forest areas across the country by influential people once and for all.

He said authorities would make Phu Tab Berk a model of successful campaign to rout out forest encroachers and rehabilitate it back to nature.

He said Phu Tab Berk is the major water source of the Pasak River.

It will be a model of problem solving of encroachment of land for tourism-related business which prevails across the country, he said.

There are 95 resorts on Phu Tab Berk mountain which must be moved out for encroaching mountainous forest land for business.

The governor said initially the court ordered 13 resorts to move out of the encroached land, and a other six to demolish their buildings after civil inspection found their buildings are unsafe.

Authorities plan to reclaim encroached lands from 95 resorts on Phu Tab Berk mountain.

The owners have been giving 30 days to remove their constructions, starting yesterday.

If they refuse to abide by the law, provincial authorities will destroy all the resort buildings and will hold them responsible for the demolition costs.

He said the removal order would not affect most local people on Phu Tab Berk.

It would affect only a handful of people who defied laws, and convinced people from other areas to come here for investment, he said.

Yesterday’s raid received opposition from some resort owners who are hilltribe people.

They asked that the military junta halted enforcement of the order, and vowed not to move out or demolish their buildings reasoning that they had borrowed a lot in doing the resort business.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/authorities-raid-phu-tab-berk-ordering-owners-demolish-encroached-buildings-month/

-- Thai PBS 2016-07-09

[Inyourendo]

Cry me a river ..... borrowed a lot to encroach. .... tough titties cupcakes

[stoneyboy]

Good news.

5 years ago the place was pristine with very little tourism,in true Thai style once they all jumped on the band wagon it was over run by greed and thoughtless tourists.

They couldn't cope with the numbers,not enough refuse collection,roads not adequate,usual poor planning and quick money making schemes abound.

Sure it won't be returned to what it was but it a step in the right direction at least.

It was evident how many visitors were arriving with the building of a large 7/11 at the foot of the main road up there.

Lovely part of the country,will always have a place in my heart as this was my home for a good number of years.

[SOTIRIOS]

....thought the first announcement was 'within a week' or 'by the end of the month'...

...why don't they just demolish them and charge the offenders...

..and what about all that illegally obtained revenue....???

[nakhonandy]

....thought the first announcement was 'within a week' or 'by the end of the month'...

...why don't they just demolish them and charge the offenders...

..and what about all that illegally obtained revenue....???

Exactly.

Then charge them estimated back tax on previous earnings.

That might send a message.