Road Emerges in the Heart of Mae Yuam Forest, Forest Wildlife Preserve Chief Ordered to be Removed, Investigation Committee Formed

A road has emerged in the heart of Mae Yuam Forest, prompting authorities to order the removal of the forest wildlife preserve chief and establish an investigation committee. On February 17, Chaicharn Sriyong, Director of Conservation Area Management Office 16 in Mae Sariang, clarified the situation regarding an illegal road construction and tree cutting in a conservation forest area that went viral on social media. The incident involves the unauthorized construction of four new road segments cutting through pristine forest areas, resulting in the destruction of 329 timber logs and causing an estimated state damage of 2,847,151 baht. The investigation suggests the road was potentially supported by influential groups or local interests, with heavy machinery used to clear approximately 12 rai of protected forest land.