Thailand Moves to Resolve Thap Lan Park Boundary Dispute
Thailand's Natural Resources Ministry is moving to resolve a long-standing boundary dispute at Thap Lan National Park by creating designated community land-use zones for residents who farmed the area before it was protected. A government co
Natural Resources Minister Suchart Chomklin has tasked National Parks Director Arthapol Charoenchunsa with presenting to parliament's Law, Justice and Human Rights Committee on July 16, 2026, regarding progress on adjusting the boundaries of Thap Lan National Park. The briefing outlined five area groupings designed primarily to assist residents who lived and farmed in the area before the park was declared, while strictly protecting forest conservation zones.
The ministry has appointed a committee to oversee, monitor, and inspect community land-use areas within the park, comprising representatives from multiple agencies to fairly verify and screen residents with prior settlement rights. Simultaneously, the ministry will strictly enforce the law against illegal forest encroachers. Complainant groups have requested the park boundaries revert to a 2000 survey and proposed exclusion of Group 4 residents; the committee suggested further discussion with the National Parks Committee to find resolution.
The Natural Resources Ministry affirmed it will advance solutions based on rule of law, fairness, and empirical evidence, protecting eligible residents while conserving the nation's forests. This aligns with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's policy prioritizing fair resolution of land and livelihood issues for those who settled before forest protection designations, balanced with sustainable natural resource conservation.
