Doi Phaklong National Park announced the verdict sentencing the forest arsonist to 1 year and 4 months in prison and a fine of 143,000 baht, with the prison sentence suspended. Although the damage was not extensive, the crime was considered complete.
On 26 Mar 2026 at the meeting room of Doi Phaklong National Park office in Long District, Phrae Province, the second advisory committee meeting of 2026 was held. Lt. Col. Sawai Wongpanyawei, District Chief of Long, chaired the meeting. Witawat Ruangdet, Chief of Doi Phaklong National Park, along with other committee members attended. The agenda included informing the committee about the Phrae court’s verdict on an illegal burning case as an example of a legal offense the public should be aware of.
On 15 Feb 2025 at 14:30, amid a severe haze crisis, park surveillance officers at Doi Phaklong National Park spotted a middle-aged man from Ta Pha Mok Subdistrict, Long District, brazenly park his vehicle and set fire to the forest in front of the park office, showing no fear of the law. Officers witnessed the fire just as it began to grow, about the size of a palm. They moved to arrest him, but he stomped out the fire and fled by car. The officers pursued and apprehended him before taking him for full prosecution.
Most recently, on 17 Mar 2026, the Phrae Provincial Court issued a firm verdict to set a precedent. Although the forest area was not widely damaged, the court ruled the offense was complete. The defendant was sentenced to 1 year and 4 months in prison (the sentence was suspended for 2 years due to a confession) and fined a hefty 143,000 baht.
Witawat Ruangdet, Chief of Doi Phaklong National Park, stressed during the advisory committee meeting on 26 Mar 2026 that this case serves as the first warning in Phrae Province where the offender was caught red-handed with deliberate intent to commit forest arson. He sent a clear message to other illegal arsonists: “Do not dare to try this,” as the criminal penalties are severe and no leniency will be given. He also urged everyone to comply with the law.