National Park Officials Charge Former Wildlife Conservation Area Chief for Illegal Forest Clearing

On February 18, 2025, Chaichan Sriyong, Director of Conservation Area Management Office 16 in Mae Sariang, revealed details about illegal forest clearing for a road connecting Ban Khun Mae Song and Huay Kong Pho village in Mae Hong Son province. The National Park Department has been aware of the case since December 2023 and filed a police report with Sao Hin Police Station. The incident occurred in two wildlife conservation areas: Salween and Mae Yom Right Bank. Due to the case spanning multiple jurisdictions, separate investigation files were created according to criminal procedure law. Chaichan reported that he filed additional charges against the former wildlife area chief, citing meeting minutes from September 24, 2023 as key evidence. Police are preparing to summon the accused. National Park Director Atthapon Charoenshansa emphasized zero tolerance for state officials involved in such violations and ordered immediate destruction of the new road and forest restoration.