Authorities Raid Home of Offroad Vehicle Owner Suspected in Illegal Hunting Case That Sparked Massive Wildfire
A suspected illegal hunter in Phetchaburi faces expanded charges after authorities raided his home and recovered an illegal chainsaw; his offroad vehicle was linked to poaching that sparked a forest fire destroying over 10,000 acres.
On May 3, 2025, Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, following directives from Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchathip Chumklin and National Parks Department Director Arthapol Charounchansa, has escalated anti-poaching operations and expanded charges against the offroad vehicle owner suspected of involvement in illegal gaur hunting in Ban Mae Khame Bon.
Nitisat Nunsong, Director of Conservation Area Management Division 3 at the Phetchaburi branch, revealed that Mongkol Chaiaphakdi, Chief of Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, reported progress on the case. Illegal wildlife hunting triggered a forest fire that damaged over 10,000 acres. On May 1, authorities filed charges against "Mister Mud," also known as Sithiphon, under Section 19(6) of the National Parks Act B.E. 2562. Evidence from camera trap footage showed the suspect's offroad vehicle entering Ban Mae Khame Bon community area at the time of the illegal gaur hunt.
On May 2, park officials coordinated with the Department of Interior and executed a court-issued search warrant at a residence in Moo 4, Yang Nam Klat Tai subdistrict. The search recovered an illegally-held chainsaw, which was seized and documented as crucial evidence for prosecution.
Nitisat emphasized that the Conservation Area Management Division 3 will enforce the law with maximum rigor as directed by ministry leadership, particularly targeting those who exploit forest resources, causing ecological damage and contributing to the wildfire crisis.
