Minister Orders Crackdown After 15 Protected Trees Illegally Felled
Thailand's Natural Resources Minister has ordered a manhunt for loggers who illegally cut down 15 protected trees, including the rare Nang Phaya Suea Khrong, at a historic royal residence site in Chiang Mai. The trees were chainsawed into 46 logs in violation of multiple forest protection laws. Park officials have filed a police report and stepped up patrols while investigators pursue the perpetrators.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin ordered the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to urgently pursue the case of 15 illegally logged trees — including Nang Phaya Suea Khrong and other valuable species — sawn into 46 logs at the historic Ban Mong Doi Pui royal residence area in Chiang Mai's Mueang district. The site is an important tourist destination with historical significance. The minister insisted on straightforward legal proceedings against whoever is responsible.
Department Director-General Yonthut Nakviroj revealed he has ordered Doi Suthep-Pui National Park Chief Thongchai Narat to deploy staff for further site inspections, coordinate with police and local administration to gather evidence and track down the perpetrators, and increase patrols to prevent recurrence.
Inspections found 15 trees felled with chainsaws, yielding 46 logs: 11 Nang Phaya Suea Khrong (40 logs), two Ratchaphruek (3 logs), one Indian Yellow (1 log), and one Son Chat (2 logs). The offenses violate the National Park Act B.E. 2562, the Forest Act B.E. 2484, and the National Reserved Forest Act B.E. 2507. Park officials have already filed a complaint with Phu Phing Ratchaniwet Police Station on October 22, 2026, at 14:37 to proceed with legal action.
