Thailand Orders Forest Probe into Ginger Farms in Chiang Mai
We need to output a short summary 1-2 sentences, 120-220 characters, max 240. Lead with what happened, then the single most important detail (who, where, or when). Should be plain English, factual. No fluff. Article: Thailand orders forest
The minister emphasized that the operation aims to protect watershed forests and uphold justice for all stakeholders. Field teams, including the special suppression unit (Phyakhai), the Forest Resources Management Office 1 in Chiang Mai, the Northern Forest Fire Prevention and Suppression Center, forest protection units, special forestry operations units, the Chiang Mai forestry operations unit, forest protection unit Chiang Mai 3 (Pong Jiog), together with the Chai Prakan plantation forest unit of the Forest Industry Organization, officials from the Preparatory Phase of Doi Vieng Pha National Park, and police from Battalion 4 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division, have been deployed to investigate complaints from users of the Mae Talap reservoir regarding ginger and commercial crop cultivation in the watershed forest of Chai Prakan district. Officials will carefully screen the additional 23 sites covering about 220 rai in Si Dong Yen sub‑district to determine whether land use complies with the CTC land‑allocation criteria, ensuring the process is correct, clear, and fair. Minister Suthi added that the ministry prioritizes forest conservation, especially headwater forests vital to ecosystems, water sources, and community livelihoods, and has instructed the Forestry Department to expedite fact‑finding and enforce the law against illegal forest use while also reviewing occupants’ rights thoroughly. He assigned Police Major General Nantachat Supamongkol, his assistant minister, to monitor progress and urged all units to act meticulously, transparently, and impartially, basing actions on facts and law. Forestry Department Director‑General Nikorn Sirojananon said he has ordered the directors of the Forest Fire Prevention and Control Office and the Forest Resources Management Office 1 (Chiang Mai) to lead the Phyakhai unit, the Northern Forest Fire Prevention and Suppression Center, forest protection and fire‑control units, special forestry operations units, and related personnel in the field inspection.
