Department of National Parks Employs Satellite Technology to Combat Forest Encroachment.

Ranong: The Department of National Parks has introduced satellite technology to effectively prevent and tackle the issue of encroachment on conservation forests. A recent success story is the detection and legal action against encroachment in the Khuan Yai Mon Wildlife Sanctuary located in Ranong Province, which has led to the reclamation of a significant portion of land. According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Atthaphon Charoenchansa, who serves as the Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, highlighted that they are piloting the 'Intelligent Forest Area Change Monitoring System' or iForMS. This system utilizes natural resource and environmental survey satellites to prevent and curtail encroachment on conservation forests. The Conservation Area Management Office 4 (Surat Thani) reported their success using the iForMS system. They detected irregularities in Ban Bang Pru Nuea, Village No. 6, Kaper Subdistrict, within the Khuan Mae Yai Mon Wildlife Sanctuary. This dis covery led Mr. Nisit Trakanphasakun, Chief of the Khuan Mae Yai Mon Wildlife Sanctuary, along with officers from the Ban Hin Khao Forest Protection Unit, to inspect the area. They found encroachment on a forest area totaling 1.28 rai, divided into two sections: an original plot previously flagged on July 28, 2020, planted with oil palms, and a new encroachment area where bamboo cutting and land clearing were evident, with newly planted oil palm trees. Officers gathered the necessary evidence and filed a complaint at Kaper Police Station to prosecute the offenders. They are now monitoring the area to prevent further unauthorized use. Mr. Atthaphon stated that the iForMS system significantly enhances the ability to detect changes in forest areas swiftly and accurately, aligning with the policy of Mr. Chalermchai Sri-on, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment. The policy advocates utilizing information technology to prevent and suppress forest resource and wildlife encroachment. He further emphasiz ed that the Department of National Parks is committed to taking decisive legal action against those who encroach upon forest areas and harm wildlife resources, with the goal of sustainable conservation of forests and wildlife. .