“Patcharawat” lays down 3 strict rules to resolve the dispute over Tap Lan National Park

Bangkok, 'Pol. Gen. Patcharawat' said that the issue of the boundary of the Tap Lan National Park must protect the forest along with taking care of the people. He reiterated 3 ironclad rules for the National Park Department to strictly control the prohibition of encroachment on the watershed area where wildlife resides and nature is pristine. As for capitalists and unqualified persons who illegally occupy state land, they must be prosecuted. Pol. Gen. Patcharawat Wongsuwan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, revealed that regarding the improvement of the boundaries of Thap Lan National Park, which has been widely expressed by the public, he has now given a policy to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to urgently implement 3 measures: Consider the rights of villagers to hold Sor Por Kor land for farming. There must be absolutely no political capitalists holding the land. Prove the rights clearly. To provide justice to the villagers who ha ve been living there for over 20 years so that they receive fair and just land rights and do not cause any inconvenience to the people. It is estimated that there are around 50,000 rai of land. Allocating land for villagers to farm must not cut down fertile forests. Do not cut down watershed areas or areas where wild animals live. Do not allow separation because the forest must be preserved. Consider cutting down only areas where people already live and farm. He also emphasized that all actions must be within the framework of the law. Source: Thai News Agency