Kaeng krachan: The Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division, in collaboration with Kaeng Krachan National Park officials and five security agencies, successfully raided the area and arrested individuals involved in illegal activities. The operation, which took place from November 20 to 22, 2015, led to the arrest of five cases of possession, including the seizure of firearms, protected wildlife carcasses, and hunting equipment.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Mongkol Chaiyaphakdi, Chief of Kaeng Krachan National Park, stated that the operation was conducted under the directive of Mr. Suchart Chomklin, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, and Mr. Atthaphon Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. The Phraya Suea Task Force, Border Patrol Police 144, and the narcotics suppression unit of the 14th Border Patrol Police Division were all involved in this operation.
The detailed results of the arrests and seizures are as follows:
In the first case on November 20, in Ban Pong Daeng, Huai Mae Priang Subdistrict, officials discovered 14 items of protected wildlife remains and hunting equipment. Items included remains of a large porcupine, a yellow turtle, barking deer bones, along with various caliber ammunition, a chainsaw, and a radio.
On November 21, the second case involved a search of a house under Section 64, where a Colt s’70 pistol, caliber .45, with a magazine and bullets, was seized as evidence.
The third case on the same day involved a house in Kaeng Krachan National Park, where nine items of hunting equipment, including a shotgun, 12-gauge bullets, a snare, a wild boar skull, deer antlers, and a chainsaw, were found.
In the fourth case, Mr. Boonsong’s Section 64 plot revealed remains of protected wildlife, including deer and goral antlers, wild boar and barking deer skulls, along with semi-automatic shotguns, ammunition, snares, night vision goggles, and other hunting equipment.
The fifth case on November 22 occurred in the Phu Phu Forest area, Pa Deng Subdistrict. After hearing gunshots, officials investigated and apprehended two suspects (while one escaped). They seized two shotguns, ammunition, pocket knives, flashlights, drug paraphernalia, and methamphetamine pills.
The authorities have filed charges under several laws including the National Park Act B.E. 2562, Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act B.E. 2562, Firearms Act B.E. 2490, Chainsaw Act B.E. 2545, and Radio Communications Act B.E. 2498. All evidence has been handed over to investigators for further legal action, and efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining suspect.
Mr. Mongkol emphasized that this operation is part of a concerted effort to prevent and suppress illegal forestry and wildlife crimes, aiming to consistently protect the natural resources of Kaeng Krachan National Park.