Forest encroachment seen in several parts of Yala
A helicopter inspection yesterday found encroachment was now eating into forest land in the deep South.
"Some people have encroached on many portions of forest in Bannang Sata, Than To and Betong districts of Yala," Pol Senior Sgt Major Arun Kallaya said. He works for the 44th border patrol police taskforce.
The helicopter survey was made in response to complaints from locals.
In Bannang Sata district, trees were being uprooted and burnt in six parts of the forest. In Than To district, similar activities were going on in seven places. As for Betong district, fire and tree uprooting took place in a forest zone known as the "Sirikit Forest".
"I have disclosed the information so as to push relevant officials to crack down on encroachment. We have to protect the forest," Arun said.
On Friday, Damrong Pidej, chief of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, signed orders transferring the chiefs of many national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in the wake of illegal logging of Siamese Rosewood in forest land.
"I think younger officials will act faster," Damrong said.
In the latest reshuffles, Panpong Kongdej-adisak - a forestry specialist based in Nakhon Si Thammarat - was appointed the head of the Trat-based Koh Chang National Park. Kamon Nuanyai - a forestry specialist based in Ratchaburi - was named head of the Kanchanaburi-based Erawan National Park. Chaiya Huaithong - a forestry specialist based in Ratchaburi - became the chief of the Suphan Buri-based Phu Toei National Park. Somkiat Luangbamrung got the top post at the Khao Sok National Park in Surat Thani, while Sanya Sawngwanglao rose to the helm of the Hat Khanom - Mu Ko Thale Tai National Park, which spans over Nakhon Si Thammarat and Surat Thani.
Many national parks in the Northeast have also got new chiefs.
