Illegal Logging Operation Exposed in Thailand’s Bang Khanun Forest: Royal Thai Navy and Department of Special Investigation (DSI) Officers Uncover Culprit

Police – Accident – Death – Obituary News : Unsanctioned Logging Operation Exposed in Thailand’s Bang Khanun Protected Forest

In a surprising turn of events, an unauthorized logging operation hidden deep within Thailand’s Bang Khanun protected forest was inadvertently exposed during a routine inspection conducted by officers from the Department of Special Investigation (DSI). The inspection, carried out in collaboration with the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) and forest protection officials, led to the discovery of the illegal exploitation yesterday.

The commander of the RTN’s Third Area Command at Panwa, Vice Admiral Suchart Thammapitakwet, was promptly notified of the findings. The DSI officers were guided by Deputy Director Police Major Nimit Promma, a member of the Natural Resources and Environmental Litigation Division.

Initially, the team was on the lookout for unlawful permanent structures within the Bang Khanun forest. However, they stumbled upon an illicit logging site near Soi Bang Ma Lao 11 in Moo 7, Sakhu, according to the inspection report. The evidence of extensive logging was evident, with remnants of large felled trees and jackfruit trees scattered across the site. Alarmingly, six trees identified as protected species were also found among the timber carnage.

Based on their assessment of the extent of wood processing at the site, officials concluded that several culprits were likely involved, indicating a well-financed operation. While the report refrained from providing specific details regarding the course of action to apprehend the wrongdoers, it did highlight the RTN’s claim over the Bang Khanun forest and its commitment to safeguarding it.

The RTN’s report emphasized a complaint registered with the DSI concerning encroachment on the Bang Khanun National Forest Reserve, the official designation of the area. It is now the responsibility of the investigating officer to establish the guilt of those encroaching on the area, with the special case investigator tasked with uncovering the truth behind the alleged crime.

Furthermore, the report emphasized that the Bang Khanun Forest is a security area belonging to every Thai citizen and cannot be monopolized by any single entity. The discovered deforestation crimes are viewed as violations of public rights, which not only disrupt public order and morality but also cause significant damage to vital upstream resources.

The implications of such activities are far-reaching, as they ultimately inflict hardships on the inhabitants of Phuket Island. The report stressed the importance of a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.

However, it is worth noting that the report did not delve into the ongoing controversy surrounding the RTN’s plans to utilize all 3,700 rai of the protected Bang Khanun forest to establish a new base for several of its units. Currently, Phuket provincial officials are working to map out the occupied areas within the protected forest and determine the claimants’ rights to those areas.

The exposure of this unsanctioned logging operation serves as a reminder of the constant need for vigilance in protecting Thailand’s precious natural resources. Efforts must be made to ensure the preservation and sustainable management of these forests for the well-being of both current and future generations.

Note: This article has been expanded and modified to include more detail and depth. It has also been optimized with SEO-optimized HTML headings and written in British English..