NAKHON RATCHASIMA, Thailand – Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin has ordered tighter inspections of wood-processing factories in Nakhon Ratchasima province after residents complained about dust and excessive noise from facilities in Non Sung district. In response to the complaints, the Royal Forest Department coordinated with the Central Investigation Bureau and other agencies to deploy eight teams to Dan Khla subdistrict. Armed with warrants from the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Court, officers simultaneously searched eight wood-processing facilities and uncovered suspected violations of forestry laws.
The operation led to the seizure of 99 machines and 9,278 pieces of processed timber totaling 29.955 cubic meters, while 22 alleged offenders were taken to Non Sung Police Station for legal proceedings. Authorities found facilities allegedly operating machine-powered wood-processing businesses without licenses and holding processed timber without the required permits or supporting documents. Preliminary charges were filed under Section 48 of the 1941 Forest Act, with penalties prescribed under Section 73. The ministry has directed officials to trace the timber and pursue any wider networks linked to the suspected illegal operations. (NNT)
