Raid on huge resort in national park
A taskforce yesterday raided one of the biggest alleged illegal resorts in Thaplan National Park. Phuwaree Resort, with 47 structures on 63 rai of land, is one of more than 100 resorts and second homes found earlier this year to have allegedly been built
“We have already taken action against 58 resorts and vacation homes,” said Nuwat Leelapata, assistant warden of the park.
Just one suspect was arrested in yesterday’s operation, he said.
“Police will have to nail down the encroachers later,” he said.
No one was staying at the resort because its manager and owners might have got wind of the authorities’ plans, the official said.
The taskforce aims to bust all illegal facilities before the end of this month, he said, adding that there were nearly 500 structures on more than 800 rai.
According to a source, the crackdown on illegal resorts and residences inside the park that spans Nakhon Ratchasima’s Wang Nam Khieo district and Prachin Buri’s Nadi district started last year.
The court has already ordered the demolition of 14 buildings.
Public prosecutors have ruled that there are no grounds to sue 50 people initially accused of intruding on parkland.
