Thailand Moves to Reclaim 7,000 Rai of Invaded Forest Reserve
Thailand's government is reclaiming over 7,000 rai of illegally farmed forest in Chiang Mai's Chaiyaprakarn Reserve, with enforcement and demolition set for October 9 after a September 30 deadline for removal.
Natural Resources Minister Suchath Chomklin announced on September 16, 2025, that he has tasked Deputy Minister Nanthachat Supamongkhon with overseeing efforts in Chiang Mai to reclaim and resolve the encroachment crisis at Chaiyaprakarn Forest Reserve following discoveries of illegal commercial farming activities. The government has directed the Forestry Department and related agencies to enforce the law strictly and rapidly return the invaded areas to forest condition.
"The government prioritizes forest protection. Forest encroachment must be handled fairly and transparently, with all agencies working as one unit on enforcement, prevention of repeated encroachment, and restoration," Suchath said.
Inspections of Chaiyaprakarn Forest Reserve identified eight cases of commercial agricultural encroachment covering 7,028 rai, 2 ngan, and 67 square wah. The Forest Resource Management Office 1 in Chiang Mai has issued orders under Section 25 of the National Reserved Forest Act requiring the removal of all structures and environmental mitigation measures. Notices expire on September 30, 2025, with enforcement and demolition scheduled for October 9, 2025, after which the land will be returned to the Forestry Department for restoration.
On September 15, 2025, Deputy Minister Nanthachat chaired a monitoring meeting at the Mae Fang Watershed Forest Reserve Learning Center, bringing together the Forestry Department, Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, and the Forest Industry Organization under a unified coordination approach.
Suchath also instructed intensified oversight of areas above the Mae Talab Reservoir within the Mae Fang Watershed Forest Reserve, which is jointly managed by multiple agencies. Previous cases dating from 2015 onward total ten cases covering approximately 112 rai. The ministry will use aerial photographs from 2024-2025 to monitor and detect new encroachments.
Suchath reiterated orders for local units to increase patrol frequency, tighten area control, and monitor conditions closely. Any new encroachment will prompt immediate legal action to protect Chiang Mai's forests and preserve natural resources for long-term public and national benefit.
