Thai Forestry Officials Raid Protected Forest Area in Kamphaeng Phet, Seizing Illegal Timber and Equipment

Key summary

On October 23, 2026, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) and the Forestry Department, supported by multiple agencies, conducted a joint operation in the protected forest areas of Khlong Suan Mak and Khlong Klung near Thar Tip Kiri Wan Practice Center in Ban Karen Nam Tok, Moo 18, Khlong Lan Phattha Subdistrict, Khlong Lan District, Kamphaeng Phet Province. Acting on intelligence regarding illegal logging, authorities intercepted six suspects who were cutting and transporting wood. The operation resulted in the seizure of nine prohibited rosewood logs, three prohibited red meranti logs, three chainsaws, and ropes used for dragging timber. The Forestry Department Director, Mr. Nikorn Sirorajanon, stated that the operation involved personnel from the Forest Management Office No. 4 (Tak), including forest protection units KP.4 (Phetchabun), KP.3 (Trai Truing), KP.1 (Nam Dib), and KP.7 (Khao Wang Yiam), alongside special forestry task forces, police officers, and Khlong Lan National Park staff. Suspects were initially attempting to flee upon discovery but were apprehended. Preliminary data indicates the group began logging on October 19, 2026, and resumed operations on October 22, 2026, before being detected. This action is part of broader efforts led by Mr. Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, to intensify measures against forest encroachment and illegal logging.