The Chief of Mae La Luang Police Station has referred the case to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to prosecute the former head of the Mae Yuam Right Bank Wildlife Sanctuary and his close employee for illegally constructing a road in the Mae Yuam Right Bank–Salawin Wildlife Sanctuary area, after both came to meet investigators to acknowledge the charges.
On 25 Feb 2026, Police Colonel Watchara Thueakta, Chief of Mae La Luang Police Station in Mae Hong Son Province, updated on the case of illegal road construction in the two wildlife sanctuaries of Mae Yuam Right Bank and Salawin. Based on all evidence and site inspections, forest encroachment and confiscated items were found. A new road measuring 6.6 kilometers was constructed in the Mae Yuam Right Bank Wildlife Sanctuary area, and another 1.278 kilometers within Salawin Wildlife Sanctuary. The police have prosecuted two individuals involved in the road construction in these sanctuary areas, who have met with investigators and acknowledged the charges.
The first is Mr. Krisada Utama, former head of Mae Yuam Right Bank Wildlife Sanctuary, charged with illegal logging of protected timber without permission; construction, clearing, and destruction of forest under the Forestry Act; embezzlement under Section 147 of the Criminal Code; abusing authority to purchase, manage, or maintain property corruptly causing loss to the state under Section 151; and misconduct or neglect of duty causing harm or carried out corruptly under Section 157 of the Criminal Code. This relates to the misuse of government vehicles in committing these offenses.
The second is Mr. Suphan Ngamlertmontri, a government employee and close associate of Mr. Krisada, charged as a joint principal offender with Mr. Krisada. He faces charges of embezzlement under Section 147; corrupt use of authority as an official causing damage to the state under Section 151; and misconduct or neglect of duty resulting in harm or done corruptly under Section 157 of the Criminal Code. These offenses violate duties of public office under Section 4 of the Anti-Corruption Act of 2018.
The Chief of Mae La Luang Police Station added that since a complaint was filed in this case, it falls under Section 61 of the Anti-Corruption Act, which is under the jurisdiction of the NACC. Therefore, the investigative team at Mae La Luang Police Station agreed to submit the case file to the NACC for legal proceedings.