Forest encroachment in Thai North rampant

BANGKOK, February 1 (TNA) - Forest encroachment in Thailand’s Northern Province of Nan is found to be rampant during an inspection by Theerapat Prayurasiddhi, director-general of Royal Forest Department, who has also ordered concerned officials to conduct more surveys in order to prevent illegal felling of trees and intrusion. Theerapat inspected two national forest reserves near the Nan River and discovered that more than 350 rai of the reserves were encroached by either villagers or influential people who have grown rubber trees and building resorts in the intruded area. Pictures were taken and they would be compared with aerial and satellite photos and an arrest would be made immediately if a fresh forest encroachment is found. Theerapat said several intruders have claimed that they have obtained land title deeds while he would check with responsible government agencies whether the deeds were issued legally. Theerapat also gave four policies to authorities to implement. The policies are forest protection along with urging people living in the community to help grow forest, a control of forest fire, to follow advice given by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on forest preservation and on providing knowledge to the people on the importance of forest. At present, forest area in Nan province covers approximately 7.6 million rai. Out of the total, people obtain title deeds covering 700,000 rai while there are 16 national forest reserve areas. (TNA)