Natural Resources Minister Orders Crackdown on Poachers; Sri Lanna National Park Arrests 3 Suspects with Firearms Near Mae Ngat Dam
Park rangers arrested three poachers with firearms near Mae Ngat Dam in Chiang Mai, following the Natural Resources Minister's order to intensify crackdowns on illegal wildlife hunting and resource destruction nationwide.
Sri Lanna National Park rangers using the SMART Patrol system have arrested three suspects accused of illegal wildlife poaching, seizing firearms, a longtail boat, and full equipment from the Mae Pha Cho forest area near Mae Ngat Dam in Chiang Mai province. The operation follows strict directives from Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchati Chomklin to crack down on poaching and natural resource destruction throughout the country.
On May 8th, Krichsayam Kongstree, director of Conservation Area Management Office Region 16 (Chiang Mai), reported that Anong Kulnil, head of Sri Lanna National Park, led park rangers and central inspection units on a river patrol in the Mae Pha Cho forest area. Officers spotted a suspicious longtail boat and set up surveillance until 6:30 p.m., when three men were observed leaving the shoreline. Upon inspection, officers discovered shotguns, air rifles, ammunition, and communication radios inside the boat.
Initial investigation revealed the three suspects—Wattana, Jan, and Bun (surnames withheld)—are residents of Phrao district who admitted to illegally entering the national park to hunt wildlife. Officers seized one longtail boat, two firearms with ammunition and related equipment, before transferring the suspects to Mae Taeng Police Station for legal proceedings.
The arrests stem from directives by Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchati Chomklin and Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Director Artapol Charoenchangsah, emphasizing aggressive SMART Patrol operations to prevent poaching, illegal logging, and encroachment on protected forest areas. Sri Lanna National Park head Anong Kulnil stated that all rangers are committed to protecting the nation's natural resources and wildlife, vowing to continue quality patrols to intercept illegal activities and ensure sustainable forest management.
