Chai prakan: Authorities are urgently addressing the "ginger plantation" problem in Chai Prakan district after seizures and arrests in 8 cases involving over 7,000 rai of land. The Assistant Minister of Natural Resources and Environment visited the area to expedite the resolution of the "ginger plantation" problem in Chai Prakan District, following the seizure of 8 cases involving over 7,000 rai (approximately 2,800 acres). The aim is to prevent recurring encroachment and to prosecute all offenders to the fullest extent of the law, including those found to be involved, after discovering possible involvement of government officials.
According to Thai News Agency, Police Major General Nanthachart Suphamongkol, Assistant Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, visited Chai Prakan District, Chiang Mai Province, to monitor the progress of operations to prevent and suppress forest encroachment. He was accompanied by Mr. Nikorn Sirirojananont, Director-General of the Royal Forest Department, and other relevant officials. A meeting was held to discuss and resolve issues under the "One Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment" policy.
Mr. Nikorn Sirirojananont, Director-General of the Department of Forestry, stated that eight cases of encroachment were found in the Chai Prakan forest area, covering a total area of 7,028 rai, 2 ngan, and 67 square wah. The Forest Resource Management Office 1 in Chiang Mai has considered exercising its authority under Section 25 of the National Forest Reserve Act to take action against the area. This is because the encroachment is for commercial agriculture and the use of intensive agricultural chemicals. If left unchecked, it could lead to severe forest degradation. Therefore, it is considered an urgent necessity to demolish the structures to mitigate the impact on natural resources and the environment. Eight demolition orders have been issued, with a 15-day deadline on September 30, 2026. Following this, enforcement measures will be announced, and the demolition date will be set for October 9, 2026. The demolition will proceed in coordination with relevant agencies in the area, along with restoration effor ts to return the land to its original forest state.
Following the meeting, the Assistant Minister of Natural Resources and Environment gave an interview stating that this site visit was a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Royal Forest Department, and local security agencies to find solutions to the encroachment problem in the Chai Prakan forest area. This area has been severely affected by the expansion of ginger cultivation, covering thousands of rai. The focus is on strict law enforcement, coupled with the reorganization of national forest reserves and economic forests to prevent recurring encroachment. Furthermore, decisive measures will be pushed to reclaim the forest land and restore the environment.
Furthermore, many other areas have been encroached upon, and similar encroachments have been found in neighboring areas. Relevant agencies will gradually begin investigations. Therefore, cooperation from all parties is necessary for serious action. Although legal action has already been taken, the encroachment is not limited to ginger; it also includes various crops. We must address this problem in an integrated manner. I have also instructed those involved to be prosecuted decisively, especially if any officials are implicated, as they have sold land for personal gain. We must remove corrupt individuals from the ministry. However, investigations have revealed that some government officials are indeed involved, but I will not disclose the exact number at this time. I acknowledge that corruption exists in every agency, but we will definitely prosecute those involved decisively.