Bangkok: The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has taken a significant step in resolving the long-standing boundary dispute within Thap Lan National Park by establishing a central committee. This initiative is aimed at addressing overlapping land ownership issues without granting forest land to encroachers.
According to Thai News Agency, the central committee, chaired by the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, will focus on verifying land rights and enforcing the law. The committee comprises representatives from key agencies, including the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, the Royal Forest Department, the Agricultural Land Reform Office (ALRO), and the National Land Policy Council (NLPC), among others. This diverse representation is intended to ensure transparency and accountability throughout the process.
Mr. Atthapol Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, emphasized that the committee's tasks include inspecting and screening land occupants on an individual and plot-by-plot basis. This process will distinguish between those who are entitled to assistance and those who are not, while also prosecuting trespassers, impersonators, or those using incorrect documents. The approach aims to provide assistance to eligible individuals while ensuring that offenders face legal consequences.
The committee's work aligns with a previous resolution by the National Park Committee to address overlapping land areas within Thap Lan National Park. Mr. Atthapol assured that this boundary review would not revoke the national park's status or affect the World Heritage status of the Dong Phaya Yen-Khao Yai forest complex. Protected forest areas will continue to be safeguarded by law.
The National Parks Committee has reviewed a Cabinet resolution from March 14, 2023, which approved the implementation in several areas, including agricultural land reform zones and state-owned land used for military training exercises. The aim is to transfer management responsibilities to relevant agencies according to their mandates and laws. For privately owned land outside designated zones, the committee will maintain its status as part of Thap Lan National Park and verify land ownership rights, focusing on those who resided or cultivated the land before the park's establishment.
Additionally, the committee plans to survey additional pristine forest areas to potentially incorporate approximately 86,966 rai into Thap Lan National Park, thereby preserving the country's protected forest area.
On June 28th, Minister Suchart will lead the committee and relevant agencies to Soeng Sang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The visit will involve gathering information from local agencies, verifying facts, and engaging with community representatives to understand the issues faced by those affected by the dispute. The committee will also visit projects aimed at land allocation for poor people in degraded forest reserve areas.
The Ministry confirmed that legal proceedings against forest encroachment will continue, with no amnesty or rights granted to offenders. Any fraudulent claims or illegal land possession will be met with decisive legal action.