Hilltribes probed over possible misuse of land

The Public Welfare Department allocated many land plots in Phu Tub Berk to hilltribes so they could make a living. In the beginning the tribes grew cabbages, filling mountainous areas with green orchards. It added appeal to the area, which offers spectacular views of seas of clouds.
In recent years Phu Tub Berk has become an increasingly popular tourist destination with several resorts and restaurants popping up, many of them illegally.
“We are looking into the occupation and use of land in Phu Tub Berk alongside the Social Development and Welfare Department,” Royal Forest Department director-general Chonlatid Suraswadi said.
 He said his department had already taken action against resorts in the area because their presence ran against the objectives of the land-allocation scheme.
“There have been 27 such cases in 2013 and 2014, 10 of which have been ruled on by the court,” he said.
Chonlatid said that armed by the court orders, officials would soon demolish the offending resorts. He said locals could use their plots for small resorts or home stays.
The illegal buildings were among the problems raised at a recent meeting chaired by Phetchabun Governor Bandhit Teweetiwarak.
Other problems include garbage issues, exorbitant fees charged by some restaurants and resorts, illegally installed advertising boards, and safety concerns.
Bandhit said there were 62 resorts in Phu Tub Berk and some were not of a good standard.
“We need to address all these problems,” he said.
He urged locals to cooperate with the authorities so as to safeguard Phu Tub Berk’s good image as a tourist destination.