Environment Minister Tackles Water, Elephants, and Land Issues in Chanthaburi
Thailand's Environment Minister visited Chanthaburi to address water scarcity, wild elephants straying from protected areas, and land disputes affecting residents, pledging concrete solutions while balancing human needs with wildlife conser
Environment and Natural Resources Minister Suchat Chomklin, accompanied by Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants Director-General Arthapol Jaruchchansar and senior officials, visited Soi Dao district in Chanthaburi on August 9 to hear directly from residents about three major issues: water scarcity, wild elephants venturing outside conservation zones, and agricultural land disputes—all affecting public safety and quality of life. The government is committed to concrete solutions while preserving natural resources, pursuing the goal that "people can live, elephants can live, and forests can survive."
Regarding water, Minister Suchat emphasized the urgent need to provide residents with reliable water supplies for consumption and agriculture while ensuring long-term water security. The Khlong Ta Phlai reservoir project, with construction spanning approximately 402 rai 3 ngan 96 square wah in Khao Soi Dao Wildlife Sanctuary, is currently awaiting cabinet approval to proceed with partial area withdrawal in accordance with legal procedures after consulting stakeholders and communities.
On wild elephants, Suchat visited the sanctuary to encourage rapid-response teams and forest rangers, stressing the importance of swift surveillance, early warning systems, and rapid communication to protect lives and property while safely herding elephants back into protected areas. The region currently has seven volunteer networks protecting national parks and wildlife, plus 12 elephant and wildlife monitoring networks working to prevent human-wildlife conflicts.
The minister also reaffirmed the government's commitment to resolving agricultural land disputes affecting residents.
