CHIANG MAI, Thailand – Thailand’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin has reported progress in an investigation into alleged unauthorized activities involving wild Himalayan cherry trees in the Doi Pui Hmong Village area of Suthep Subdistrict, Chiang Mai. The investigation concerns the unauthorized planting and cutting of the trees in the area, prompting authorities to identify those involved and establish the facts.
On October 25, 2026, Suchart said he had instructed the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) to coordinate with police to accelerate the investigation, which has attracted significant public and media attention. Investigators have requested additional statements from officials at Doi Suthep–Pui National Park and are working with the Suthep subdistrict headman and the Suthep Hmong Association to identify individuals shown in photographic and video evidence.
DNP Director-General Yongyut Nakawiroj said park officials had identified seven individuals from clear footage. Police have directed investigators to expedite the case, and park officials, police investigators and relevant representatives were scheduled to revisit the site on October 26 to collect further evidence. The DNP will continue monitoring the case and reporting developments until the investigation is completed, in accordance with the minister’s instructions. (NNT)
