Thailand Issues Land Rights to 1,500 Forest Families

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin presided over a ceremony on July 4, 2025, distributing occupancy certificates (Sor 12) in conservation forest zones to residents of Chiang Mai Province. The event took place at the 16th Regional Protected Area Office in Chiang Mai, attended by provincial governor Ratthapol Naradit, Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Authority chairman Pichai Lertspoengadisorn, and senior officials from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.

This action implements a key government policy under Prime Minister Anutthin Charnweerakul's administration, addressing the critical issue of land rights for farmers living in forest areas while maintaining environmental conservation. The initiative reflects the concept of "sustainable coexistence between people and forest," designed to reduce inequality and enhance living standards.

Suchart emphasized that the government aims to transform potential conflict between communities and forests into harmonious coexistence. He stressed that issuing these certificates provides not just legal recognition but creates stable livelihoods, allowing residents to conduct lawful occupations with steady income while serving as stewards of natural resources.

"When people have security in their lives, they will help protect forests for their children's future," Suchart said. "I urge recipients to preserve this land for generations to come."

The certification process involved comprehensive surveys across eight protected areas in Chiang Mai, benefiting 49 villages with 1,594 households covering 2,121 plots. This represents another success in resolving land disputes in conservation zones while enabling sustainable resource management and environmental stewardship.