Minister Suchart Holds Forum on Land-Forest Conflicts in Five Provinces
Natural Resources Minister Suchart Chomklin convened a forum to address land and forest disputes in five provinces, including Ko Lanta Yai in Krabi. He ordered officials to verify facts and formulate fair solutions that balance residents' rights with conservation efforts. A working group will be formed to coordinate with relevant agencies and conduct field inspections, especially for the Ko Lanta case.
After hearing the complaints, Minister Suchart assigned Ophas Thaworn, inspector-general of the ministry, to chair a meeting to discuss solutions. Five specific cases were examined: a temple dispute in Loei province; a disputed area near the old Doi Muser market and the work of the National Land Policy Committee in Tak province; villagers affected by the forest reclamation policy and the Khun Kaen forest plantation in Sisaket province; residents seeking justice for housing and farmland within Khao Laem National Park in Kanchanaburi province; and residents of Ko Lanta Yai subdistrict in Ko Lanta district, Krabi province. The minister stressed that relevant agencies must verify facts and consider comprehensive measures for each case, especially the Ko Lanta situation, where a ministry working group will be established to coordinate with other agencies, conduct field inspections, and gather information for systematic resolution while upholding citizens' rights and environmental conservation.
