Government Enforces Law to Reclaim Forests and Protect Land Rights

Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Periwat revealed that the government is advancing its policy on conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. The government will accelerate land allocation for farming while creating jobs and livelihoods for communities to reduce forest encroachment, enforce laws strictly against offenders, and restore natural resources to their former abundance. Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin is closely monitoring operations at Khao Yai National Park following officials' notice to the owner of Imphool Hill Resort—a case that has completed legal proceedings—to demolish all structures within 15 days. Recently, the owner met with the park chief to request permission and has already begun voluntary demolition ahead of the deadline under park officials' supervision to rapidly restore the area to its natural forest state. The government affirms its clear operational principle: fairly protecting the rights of legitimate landowners while transparently verifying farmland rights, and simultaneously pursuing cases against capitalists and forest encroachers equally and without exception. When cases reach final judgment, all structures must be demolished and land returned to the state according to law. Regarding operations at Rai Rak Fa within Erawan National Park in Kanchanaburi Province, where law enforcement successfully reclaimed the area, the Natural Resources and Environment Minister has ordered the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants to urgently improve landscaping and upgrade safety standards to develop it as the Erawan Nakhonkrit viewpoint under strict national park regulations, balancing tourism with conservation. No permanent structures will be built that damage nature; only environmentally friendly materials will be used with appropriate land allocation, so the restored forest can fully function as a watershed and wildlife habitat. Tourist area development will proceed under strict safety measures, including tourist service stations, increased ranger patrols, police coordination, designated nature trails and safe photo spots, plus warning signs and visitor management systems, enabling safe and sustainable access to natural attractions. The government prioritizes balanced natural resource management among conservation, protecting people's rights, and strictly enforcing laws against encroachers, while restoring and developing reclaimed areas for public benefit under conservation principles to preserve natural wealth and pass intact forests to future generations.