Four Myanmar Nationals Arrested for Illegal Gold Mining in Protected Forest

KANCHANABURI, Nov 17 (TNA) - Thai authorities arrested four undocumented Myanmar nationals during a raid on an illegal gold mining operation within the highly protected Thong Pha Phum National Park, park officials said on Monday.

The joint force of park rangers, border police, and military units seized firearms and 40 items of gold-panning equipment from a critical Class 1A watershed forest in Kanchanaburi province.

The raid followed 24-hour surveillance that detected approximately 15 suspects entering the area late on Nov. 15. While four men were detained at the scene, another 11 fugitives escaped.

Thong Pha Phum National Park Chief Yuthapong Damsrisuk said the operation targeted ongoing encroachment for gold panning, which severely damages the ecosystem and vital water sources.

The arrested individuals face multiple charges, including the destruction of forestland and illegal possession of firearms. Authorities are tracking the remaining 11 suspects whose Myanmar identification was recovered.

The park chief vowed strict enforcement to protect the headwater forest and prosecute offenders to the fullest extent of the law. - 819 (TNA)