Rangers raze two resorts in Tablan
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The demolition of illegally built resorts in Tablan National Park yesterday went ahead without resistance from owners or villagers, though more people gathered to block a key road heading into the park.
The Kullavanich and Klong Krathing Country Hill resorts were razed to the ground by forest rangers. There are six other resorts facing demolition, but the owners have sought permission to do the job themselves.
Once the New Year break is over, authorities will return to see whether the six resorts have been demolished, said Damrong Phidej, director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. “Or we will demolish them ourselves,” he added.
He said the department was not worried about trouble from the villagers, provided they do not break any laws or disrupt the demolition illegally. He said action would also be taken against local politicians |for permitting the use of land in |the park, as claimed by some villagers.
As for those who have been living in the park since before 1998, he said they could continue living and farming in the area. The existence of 152 resorts in the park is under question and pending court ruling.
Avoiding confrontation with forestry officials during demolition, the villagers instead turned to expanding roadblocks at Route 304, with more people also blocking the Khao Phaeng Ma-Khao Yai Road, which is another key route leading to Tablan National Park. In rally speeches, the villagers accused forestry officials of beating up three protesters.
The protesters also called on the authorities to consider their four demands: immediately halting the demolition of any resorts; redrawing boundaries of the Tablan park and clearly marking out areas where farming is allowed; ensuring that forestry laws are equally enforced nationwide; and intervention by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.
Village chief Manote Buasri again asked why farmers should not be allowed to earn extra in their business deals with resort owners.
About 1,000 people are rallying at the six resorts targeted for demolition, while another 1,000 gathered to block the roads, but the number increased drastically in the evening.
