Village headman implicated in Chon Buri forest land encroachment

A village headman stands accused of participating in forest land encroachment in the Sattahip district of Chon Buri. This allegation surfaced during an investigation led by the district chief, Sunthorn Munao­waroh, who visited the affected region within the Kao Krating forest reserve yesterday.

Thawatchai Srithong, the governor of Chon Buri, commanded Sunthorn to conduct the inquiry following the public release of a news report on the land encroachment. The report hinted at the possible involvement of influential local personalities.

The village headman, identified as Yuthana, is alleged to have signed two land utilisation certificates for an individual from Tambon Bang Sarey, known as Lamyai [surname withheld]. The report places Lamyai as the person who later sold the land to her foreign national husband. However, the land in question, located in the Kao Krating reserve, is state-owned and therefore non-transferable.

Sunthorn’s investigation team discovered that the encroached area was being used for agricultural activities. Prapansak Kwansri, a senior surveyor from the Chon Buri Provincial Land Office in Sattahip, revealed that the encroachment had destroyed over 50 rai of the Kao Krating forest. No land deeds have been found for the impacted areas, added Prapansak.

In response to the situation, the team lodged a complaint with the Sattahip Police Station against those implicated in the land encroachment and unlawful land acquisition, as per the 1941 Forest Act.

The Assets Division of the Sattahip Naval Base has posted a billboard in the encroached area, cautioning potential trespassers of legal consequences, reported Bangkok Post.

In a related land encroachment incident, the Chaiyaphum Provincial Forestry and associated authorities have confiscated a luxury resort alleged to have encroached on an 18-rai area of Phu Laen Kha hilltop.

Forestry officer Dusit Klompanich reported that the resort, situated in Muang district’s Tambon Sub Si Thong, comprises six buildings. Four are designated for rent, while the other two house a restaurant and restrooms.

The resort owner is also accused of transforming part of the land into a durian orchard. Upon the authorities’ arrival, it was observed that guests had already vacated the resort.