Thai Investors Hire Myanmar Laborers to Clear Protected Forest in Mae Hong Son

Key summary

Forestry officials in Mae Hong Son province investigated a protected forest area along Highway 128 where Thai investors allegedly hired Myanmar laborers to clear over 4 rai of land and plant bananas as camouflage. The investigation, conducted on October 24, 2026, by the Mae Hong Son Forest Protection Unit No. 2 (Muang Top), found evidence of recent clearing and new banana plants estimated to be less than three days old, along with a makeshift shelter built within the encroached area. Authorities noted that the group intentionally left dense vegetation near the roadside to hide the illegal activity from passing traffic while clearing the interior. Evidence was collected and submitted to the Mae Hong Son City Police Station for investigation.