Suchart Visits Ratchaburi, Orders Single Integrated Resource Management Approach

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin and his team visited Ratchaburi province on May 27, 2026, to monitor operations of agencies under the ministry and deliver policies on natural resource management, environmental protection, water management, land administration, and disaster preparedness.

The inspection was welcomed by Ratchaburi Deputy Governor Phutthapong Suriyasing and attended by Water Resources Director-General Thirachunn Boonsitthi, regional offices, local government organizations, and area officials.

Suchart emphasized that all agencies must integrate work under the "single ministry approach" with people at the center, coordinating efforts across forest care, wildlife protection, water resources, groundwater, pollution, land management, and disaster prevention to deliver concrete, swift, transparent solutions that address public needs.

For forestry operations, he stressed the Forest Department must work with sincerity, stability, and transparency under strict legal principles—right is right, wrong is wrong—while ensuring convenient, swift, and fair public services.

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants must strengthen conservation area management, prevent encroachment, care for wildlife, and protect natural resources while building public understanding in local communities.

On water resources, the minister assigned the Water Resources Department to manage and develop sustainable water systems in cooperation with the Groundwater Department to support agriculture, domestic consumption, and establish water sources in the area. He also promoted rainwater harvesting to reduce drought risk and ensure water security.

For land administration, priority was given to implementing community land-for-farming programs under government policy, enabling farmers to secure agricultural livelihoods while participating in forest conservation. This approach reduces forest encroachment, promotes environmentally friendly farming, and supports the green economy and long-term income generation.

The Pollution Control Department and relevant agencies were tasked with closely monitoring and controlling pollution issues—odors, smoke, wastewater, noise, dust, and haze—through appropriate legal action while fostering understanding and coexistence between business, communities, and residents.

Suchart requested Ratchaburi identify suitable wetlands, forests, or natural areas as firebreaks and buffer zones for fire prevention in the western region, integrating risk area data, hot spots, and fuel management approaches to prevent and reduce impacts from wildfires, haze, and PM2.5 on the public.

He encouraged field staff and reiterated that the ministry's mission extends beyond resource management.