Atthaphol Refutes Chaiwat's Claims, Denies Involvement in Mountain Road Construction Controversy

National Parks Department Director-General Atthaphon Charoen Chansa held a press conference to refute claims by former National Parks director Chaiwat Limlikitaksorn about illegal road construction in protected forest areas. He strongly denied being behind the road project and warned of legal consequences for those continuing to spread false information. The road construction involves 7.8 kilometers of road cut through Mae Yom and Salween wildlife preservation areas, causing damage to approximately 12 rai of forest and cutting down 329 trees. Atthaphol confirmed that the department has already taken action, including filing criminal charges on February 17 and initiating disciplinary investigations. The department is preparing to investigate the site on February 23, working with Deputy Prime Minister Suchart Chomphan to plan forest restoration. They are also conducting a comprehensive border area survey and integrating military support to prevent further forest encroachment. Additionally, they discovered three individuals allegedly collecting illegal fees from locals under the guise of an official project, with criminal proceedings already initiated against some suspects.