Aed Carabao accused of encroaching on national forest
Yuenyong “Aed” Ophakul, lead singer of legendary songs-for-life band Carabao, is under scrutiny for alleged encroachment on national forest in Saraburi province.
Anti-corruption activist Veera Somkwamkid on Monday filed a police complaint in Saraburi’s Kaeng Khoi district, claiming Yuenyong’s 35-rai plot encroaches on the Tab Kwang- Muak Lek Forest Reserve.
Veera, secretary-general of the People's Network Against Corruption, also filed a complaint of malfeasance against Royal Forest Department officials for allegedly colluding in the land deal.
Saraburi Forest Resource Management officials and police visited the plot on Tuesday and used GPS to measure its size and location. The results will be sent to related authorities to determine if it is encroaching on national forest.
Yuenyong leases the land to a woman, who told officials she has rented it for 120,000 baht per year for five years. She has also built a fence around the plot.
Veera alleged the land was used for tourism.
Yuenyong reportedly bought the land from a man named Jamras Jullapa in 1992. Jamras had reportedly held a land-occupation claim form (Sor Khor 1) for the plot, but never the land-use deed (Nor Sor 3 Kor).
A representative of Yuenyong has denied the accusation and said the musician will fight to clear his name.
