Chiang Mai: Authorities are preparing to reclaim more than 7,000 rai of forest land in Chai Prakan district after identifying eight cases of encroachment for commercial farming, with demolition of structures and restoration work scheduled to begin next month.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin said on Tuesday he had instructed assistant minister Pol Maj Gen Nuntachat Supamongkol to oversee efforts to address encroachment in Chai Prakan forest plantation, where large areas have been cleared for commercial agriculture.
The Chiang Mai-based Forest Resource Management Office 1 has issued eight orders under Section 25 of the National Reserved Forest Act requiring the removal of structures and measures to mitigate environmental impacts. The cases cover a combined 7,028 rai of land.
The orders are being served on those occupying the land, with the 15-day compliance period due to expire on Sept 30. Authorities will then issue enforcement notices and set Oct 9 as the demolition date before returning the land to the Royal Forest Department (RFD) for restoration.
The action follows an Aug 19 inspection prompted by complaints over forest clearing, road construction and preparations to grow ginger. The RFD has designated Chai Prakan as a model for tackling commercial groups exploiting forest resources.