Kalasin forest reserve 'claimed for farms and homes'
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More than 10,000 rai of a forest reserve has allegedly been converted into plantations and housing areas in the Phuphan mountain range in Sam Chai district in Kalasin, prompting the Army and provincial administrators to investigate.
Third Calvary Division chief Maj-General Nitinai Peemayothin ordered Army officials to join Sam Chai district chief Kanok Sriwichainan to inspect a forest reserve in Ban Dam Mek, tambon Samran, following reports of encroachment to grow tapioca and rubber trees, and to build houses.
They initially found that trees along a 20km section of road to the village had been cut down and people were growing crops on 50 to 100 rai per person, while others had claimed between 300 to 500 rai of mountainous land.
