US Senate · Nation Thailand
Senator urges Section 25 clearance over alleged 960-hectare Chiang Mai forest grab
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Senate environment committee chairman Cheewapap Cheewatham has urged forestry authorities to take action against alleged encroachment in Chiang Mai after residents reported that ginger cultivation had destroyed at least 960 hectares of restored forest and threatened local water supplies.
Key facts
- Speaking on September 9, Cheewapap called on the Royal Forest Department and the Forest Industry Organisation (FIO) to invoke Section 25 of the National Reserved Forest Act to remove structures and crops from encroached land
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- His remarks followed a complaint presented at Parliament on September 8 by Chaowalit Srithanetsakun, a representative of people using water from Mae Thalop Dam in Chai Prakan district, accompanied by group adviser Ratsami Saennamwong and
- He said each plot used three or four tractors, with machinery taken onto steep mountain slopes exceeding 30 degrees.
Summary
Speaking on September 9, Cheewapap called on the Royal Forest Department and the Forest Industry Organisation (FIO) to invoke Section 25 of the National Reserved Forest Act to remove structures and crops from encroached land. He argued that the provision could be used without waiting for a court order.
His remarks followed a complaint presented at Parliament on September 8 by Chaowalit Srithanetsakun, a representative of people using water from Mae Thalop Dam in Chai Prakan district, accompanied by group adviser Ratsami Saennamwong and other representatives.