BANGKOK, Thailand – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin has ordered the establishment of a joint operations base between national park officials, the Border Patrol Police, and military units to strengthen patrols and prevent illegal gold mining in Thong Pha Phum National Park, Kanchanaburi Province. The move aims to increase enforcement presence and ensure continuous protection of the protected forest area.
Attapol Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, stated that the directive follows the Deputy Prime Minister’s emphasis on strict legal action against forest encroachment. Since early 2025, operations in the area have resulted in 29 cases being prosecuted, involving 44 individuals, both Thai and foreign nationals. The established joint operations base is expected to intensify patrols and deter further illegal mining activity.
Between November 5 and 7, officials conducted a coordinated operation after CCTV surveillance detected frequent movements at a 13-rai encroached site in the Pilok Kee forest area. A team led by district officials, the military, and national park rangers traveled by patrol boat to Pilok Kee Village before trekking more than 16 kilometers through dense forest terrain to reach the excavation site. On the night of November 7, authorities observed lights and conversation near an active dig site and moved in to intercept the group.
One suspect, a Myanmar national, was arrested after being found hiding in an excavation pit. Officers seized 13 items of evidence, including ore-filled soil, excavation tools, a machete, two mobile phones, and five rounds of .22 LR ammunition. The estimated damage from the illegal mining activity was valued at 756,307 baht. The suspect admitted to entering Thailand through an informal border crossing with three other individuals in order to search for gold.
The suspect has been charged with six offenses, including encroachment and destruction of forest land, unauthorized extraction of natural resources, and illegal possession of ammunition. He has been transferred to Pilok Police Station for legal action. (NNT)
