Illegal lumber cache confiscated in protected forest

PHANG NGA: Investigators seized more than one tonne of contraband lumber found in national forest in Takuapa on Saturday.

The team, led by Takuapa District Chief Manit Pianthong, seized a total of 43 pieces of lumber that had been cut from protected trees in the Khao Lak Khao Ton forest preserve.

“The illegal lumber was found in Bang Muang sub-district. All of the wood was from protected trees,” Mr Manit said. “The wood had been cut and hidden on the roadside. However, we found no one around when we seized the wood.”

“Whoever cut the wood faces multiple charges, including illicit logging in a forest preserve, cutting down protected species, as well as charges related to illegal possession of the timber totalling 1.20 cubic meters,” said Mr Manit.

Officers have yet to estimate the total value of the logged wood.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong