Thailand Cracks Down on Illegal Logging in Lampang
Thailand's Natural Resources Ministry seized 10 teak logs worth 226,450 baht during an enforcement operation against illegal logging in Lampang province's Mae Ta and Mae Mai National Forests.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin announced on July 18 that he received a report from Forestry Department Director General Nikorn Sirorjanananth regarding an enforcement operation against illegal logging and forest destruction in Lampang province. The operation aligns with a key policy directive from Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who has instructed all agencies to intensify efforts to combat forest encroachment and resource destruction in order to preserve Thailand's forests and natural resources.
Chomklin stated that forest protection officials and personnel from relevant agencies jointly conducted an inspection at the Mae Ta and Mae Mai National Forests near Ban Na Mai in Muang Mai subdistrict, Chae Hom district, Lampang province. The operation resulted in the seizure of 10 teak logs totaling 6.47 cubic meters, valued at approximately 226,450 baht in state damages.
The investigation determined that the violations contravened the Forestry Act and the National Forest Reserve Act. Officials seized the evidence and referred the case to Chae Hom police for prosecution of the suspects and further investigation of all persons involved.
The Natural Resources and Environment Minister reiterated that his ministry will strictly enforce the law in accordance with government policy to prevent any illegal logging or forest encroachment. He instructed the Forestry Department to monitor high-risk areas, increase patrol frequency, and coordinate with all security and administrative agencies to protect forest resources as a national asset belonging to all Thai citizens.
