LAMPANG, Thailand – Authorities in Lampang province have arrested a 33-year-old suspect and seized four protected Padauk logs during an operation against suspected illegal logging in Ngao District. The timber, discovered within the Mae Moh National Reserved Forest, totaled 8.67 cubic meters, with estimated financial damage of over 300,000 baht.
Forestry officials, local authorities, national park personnel, and police carried out the operation, discovering two logs concealed on a modified six-wheel truck equipped with a crane and another two in a nearby cornfield. Officers also seized the vehicle, camouflage netting, metal pry bars, rope, and plastic sheeting as evidence.
Following a report from Royal Forest Department Director-General Nikorn Sirarotchananon, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin ordered an expanded investigation to determine whether others were involved in the suspected illegal logging and transportation of protected timber.
Authorities transferred the suspect and confiscated items to Ngao Police Station for legal proceedings under the Forest Act of 1941 and the National Reserved Forest Act of 1964. Authorities will continue examining the evidence and coordinating enforcement activities to combat illegal logging and protect Thailand’s forest resources. (NNT)
