Flame game foiled: Chiang Mai crackdown scorches forest arsonist

Chiang Mai authorities have taken swift action against forest arson, resulting in the arrest and fining of a perpetrator following a tip-off from a vigilant citizen. Yesterday, March 13, a man was spotted igniting a fire within the protected forest area of Ban Pang Keut, Mae Taeng district in Chiang Mai. The deputy governor personally delivered a cash reward to the informant whose alert led to the apprehension.

During a joint operation to extinguish the flames involving forest rangers, local firefighters, and community leaders, the suspect was seen setting fire to the forest. Upon noticing the officials, the arsonist brandished a knife and fled the scene. However, the village head of Ban Pang Keut, Moo 16, managed to photograph the arsonist and his motorcycle, which aided the police and forest protection officials in tracking down and arresting the suspect at his home.

The accused, 28 year old Wichai, from house number 9809 in Moo 16 of the Mae Taeng district, was found with three lighters (pink, blue, and green). He confessed to the crime, and the head of the forest protection unit informed him of the charges.

He faced two legal violations: one under the Forest Act for clearing or burning forest land and another under the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Act for damaging the state of a national reserve forest. Wichai admitted to all charges, with the village head of Ban Pang Keut confirming his identity and assisting in the arrest, reported KhaoSod.

The governor of Chiang Mai, through his deputy, rewarded the informant with 10,000 baht (US$280) for providing the information that led to the successful capture of the forest arsonist. This incentive is part of a broader strategy to prevent forest fires by offering cash rewards for tips leading to the arrest of individuals involved in such illegal activities within the Mae Taeng district.

The reward was handed to the informant, who played a crucial role in the arrest, by the deputy governor himself.