Forest encroachers must pay

That’s precisely what they deserve for deliberately trespassing upon and damaging our natural resources.

But I see no need for the park to wait until they have the budget to tear down the resorts. As part of their punishment, the hotels’ owners must bear all costs of restoring the environment to its original state (not just removing the buildings). If there are insufficient funds left, the park should explore other avenues, e.g., selling the hotels as is, and let the buyers move the buildings, or selling the buildings and furnishings as is, where is.

Of course, the same solution should be applied to all encroachers, without fear or favour, for “Written laws (are) like spiders’ webs, and would catch … the weak and the poor, but easily be broken by the mighty and the rich” (Anacharsis). For example, General Surayud Chulanont removed his vacation home from Khao Yai Thiang, Nakhon Ratchasima, but I read no news about his restoring the plot to its original forested state. Of all people, Privy Counsellor General Surayud would agree that “If the country does not follow the rule of law, it will not survive” (HM the King). So, if the general hasn’t declared bankruptcy, the park should restore his former plot and send him the bill.

Give us our forests back – now.

Burin Kantabutra

Bangkok