43 shops seized for encroaching on Phrae creek
After the Phrae governor dispatched officials from several government agencies to investigate a creek in Phrae’s Muang district, they have now seized 43 shops built on the creek’s bank for encroaching on a public waterway.
Phrae governor Pongrat Piromrat assigned 250 forestry officials, troops, police, highway officials and tambon and village heads to check Mae Kon Creek along the Cho Hae highway behind Phra That Cho Hae temple on Monday.
The investigation was triggered when local farmers filed complaints with the provincial administration that shops built along the creek had trapped water for their patrons to enjoy while eating and drinking on tables built into the water, causing an inadequate downstream water flow for farmers to use for their farms.
The governor said the officials had seized 43 shops encroaching on the creek and the owners would be required to demolish their facilities within 45 days.
Somboon Thirabanthitkul, director of the 3rd Forestry Management Office of the Forestry Department, said the shop owners would face charge of encroaching on a public waterway.
He said the owners of the shops would also be required to show documents to prove that they have the right to use the land above the creek for operating shops, or else would face additional charges of encroaching on public land.