UPDATE: Officials find evidence of illegal road construction in Phuket forest encroachment probe
Phuket officials investigating suspected encroachment in the Kamala Hills found evidence of illegal road construction in a national forest reserve and seized an abandoned backhoe.
Local authorities in Phuket on June 29 found evidence of forest encroachment and illegal road construction during a coordinated inspection in the Kamala Hills, also known as Khao Nang Phanthurat.
At about 4 p.m., Mueang District Chief Siwat Rawangkul led the operation, accompanied by Deputy District Chiefs Akkra Suwatikul and Apichat Chantrawong, members of the Volunteer Defence Corps, Phuket Provincial Forestry officials and the village headman of Moo 2, Koh Kaew.
The joint team inspected the Khao Nang Phanthurat section of the Kamala Hills following reports of illegal forest encroachment. Officials found evidence of encroachment into the national forest reserve, which the source said is an offence under Thailand’s Forestry Act of 1941.
Investigators also found that heavy machinery had been used to clear and level sections of forest to create a mountain road. Parts of the route had already been surfaced with prefabricated concrete panels, indicating construction had progressed beyond initial earthworks.
No suspects or anyone claiming responsibility were found at the site. However, officers found an abandoned backhoe and seized it as evidence.
Forestry officials and other agencies documented the scene, collected evidence and prepared a seizure report for submission to the investigating officer at the local police station.
Authorities said the investigation will focus on identifying the owner of the seized machinery, tracing those responsible for the road construction and determining who was behind the forest encroachment. Officials said they would pursue legal action against those involved in accordance with the law.
