Villagers Oppose Chanthaburi Water Reservoir Project at Ministry
Villagers and the Thai Environmental Fund Foundation delivered an opposition letter to Thailand’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment against the proposed Wang Huay Ton Reservoir in Chanthaburi. Officials said no pristine forest would be used and that public feedback would be welcomed, with the project requiring permits from forest and park authorities. The cabinet’s August approval only endorsed the principle, stipulating limited land use and further review.
Villagers, together with the president of the Thai Environmental Fund Foundation, stormed the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to oppose the construction of the Wang Huay Ton Reservoir in Chanthaburi. The deputy permanent secretary assured that no pristine forest would be used and said the ministry is open to hearing public opinion. On October 1, 2026, at the Ministry, Deputy Permanent Secretary Nipon Jumponsirisak and Deputy Director-General Pratheep Himphayak of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation received the opposition letter from the Thai Environmental Fund Foundation. Foundation president Somphop Sirisawang and 25 citizens delivered the letter, with Nipon listening to their concerns and suggestions. Nipon said Minister Suchat Chomklin had instructed the ministry to facilitate those submitting letters and to welcome feedback from all sides, ensuring every opposition letter would be received and forwarded to the minister for consideration. Regarding the Wang Huay Ton Reservoir project in Chanthaburi, Nipon explained that the Cabinet’s approval on August 5 was a principle endorsement from the Royal Irrigation Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, stipulating that only necessary area be used and that permits must be obtained from the Royal Forest Department and the Department of National Parks before proceeding. In particular, for areas relating to national parks, approval must be obtained from the National Park Committee, which consists of members and qualified persons, most of whom are outside experts with knowledge and experience in natural resources and environmental conservation, not exceeding 17 people. Furthermore, under Section 15 of the National Park Act 2022, the decision on revoking or amending national park boundaries shall be made by a majority vote. Nipon added that, in his personal view, the minister does not support using pristine forest for the reservoir, emphasizing that project planning must prioritize natural resource and wildlife conservation while also carefully considering any potential impacts on local communities.
