Authorities Investigate Ownership of Illegal Agricultural Operations in Protected Land
PUBLISHED: 4 Mar 2025 at 19:03
Authorities have discovered an unauthorized durian and banana farm spanning 400 rai within a national reserved forest in Chanthaburi’s Khlung district. Investigations are underway to identify the operation’s owner.
This revelation comes amid growing concerns about illegal land use by foreign entities in the region, with previous reports indicating investments linked to Chinese parties using Thai nominees for land acquisition.
On Tuesday, police and officials from the Royal Forest Department conducted a search on the expansive plantation located in tambon Bor Wen, uncovering infrastructure such as concrete roads and electricity poles, yet no workers were found on site.
According to Pol Maj Gen Watcharin Poosit, commander of the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division, the land was previously designated for agriculture but lost this classification in 2003. Subsequently, a royal decree classified the area as part of a national forest reserve, which prohibits agricultural activities.
Authorities suspect the farm’s operation was well-funded, evident from its systematic layout, which includes a substantial lake and designated crop cultivation areas.
Government Response
In response to the growing threat of illegal agricultural encroachments, Environment and Natural Resources Minister Chalermchai Sri-on has announced intensified crackdowns on unlawful durian and rubber plantations in protected areas. The minister emphasized the importance of reclaiming these lands and prosecuting those responsible for such violations.
Previously, the ministry confiscated 1,500 rai of forest land in Tha Takiab district, finding it had been illegally sold to a Thai company representing a group of Chinese investors.
