29-7-2023 (BANGKOK) Khao Kho National Park is facing a major shakeup after a snap inspection led by the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) and the park’s chief, Prasan Iadsang, uncovered illegal resorts encroaching on a forest reserve in Phetchabun province.
The inspection, carried out on Thursday, focused on Pha Hua Sing, a prominent cliff within the national park. During the operation, authorities discovered two resorts that had unlawfully occupied the park territory.
The first resort, Phu Thap Boek Suansawan, was found to be situated just about 200 meters from the edge of Pha Hua Sing, on a plot of land covering 69 rai (110,400 square meters). The second resort, known as Good View-Hot View Suansawan Phu Thap Boek, was located approximately 100 meters from the cliff’s edge and had been utilizing a 100-meter-long stretch of land for camping.
In response to the grave violation of forestry laws and the unauthorized destruction of natural resources, authorities seized documentation from both sites and filed charges against the owners.
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation is taking the matter seriously and has taken decisive action. Atthaphon Charoenchansa, the director-general of the department, announced on Friday that the head of Khao Kho National Park has been transferred from the area to an inactive post pending further investigation. A committee will thoroughly examine the case to determine the extent of the wrongdoing.
Moreover, authorities have given the green light for the demolition of the illegal resorts, aiming to reclaim the park’s territory and preserve the pristine environment of Pha Hua Sing.
