Phuket police arrest 64-year-old man over forest encroachment at Khao To Sae

A 64-year-old Thai man has been identified and arrested for allegedly encroaching on protected forest land at Khao To Sae in Phuket, where authorities said more than 4 rai were damaged.

Officials from Phuket forest protection unit Phk.2 said an inspection found extensive clearing of undergrowth and alteration of forest land. They also found a raised single-storey structure measuring about 6 by 5 meters, along with a bathroom and a 2,000-liter water tank installed inside the forest area. No suspect was found at the scene during the initial inspection.

Using GPS equipment and maps from the Royal Forest Department, officials said they measured encroachment on 3 rai, 2 ngan and 61 square wah of national reserved forest land, as well as another 3 ngan and 54 square wah of permanent forest land. The total damaged area was put at 4 rai, 2 ngan and 15 square wah.

Investigators later gathered evidence and identified the suspect as Supachai, 64, a Thai national. Police then issued a summons and proceeded with legal action.

He is accused of occupying, possessing and benefiting from land inside a national reserved forest without permission, as well as building structures and clearing forest land in a way that damaged state natural resources.

Pol Col Chatree Chukaew, superintendent of Mueang Phuket Police Station, said encroachment on state forest land for personal benefit or land speculation was unacceptable. He said the case should be handled straightforwardly and that police would coordinate closely with forestry authorities to follow its progress, protect national natural resources and help prevent future encroachment on state forest land.