The Land Commission addresses two pressing issues: demolishing illegal buildings in Phuket and halting investors encroaching on Kaeng forest in Chiang Mai, which damages villagers' drinking and usage water.
On 8 Jul 1986 GMT+7, the Land, Natural Resources and Environment Commission of the House of Representatives, chaired by Ms. Kulawalee Nopamornbodi, held a meeting to urgently address two major land and environmental complaint cases under public scrutiny: managing constructions on Nakkerd Mountain forest land in Phuket revoked by court order, and investors encroaching on upstream forest to grow ginger in Chai Prakan district, Chiang Mai.
Regarding Phuket, after enforcement reclaimed state land and plans were made to restore it as a recreational forest, the commission noted that demolishing large seized buildings would generate massive waste and carbon emissions. They proposed repurposing these buildings for public benefit. However, current laws and the Council of State’s guidelines clearly mandate demolition of illegal structures within protected forests. Therefore, to repurpose these buildings legally, amendments to the National Parks Act and Reserved Forests Act are needed. The commission resolved to carefully study legislative amendments through the proper process.
"This approach will not overturn court rulings. Any cases with final court orders for demolition must proceed accordingly. We reaffirm no benefits will be granted to offenders; they remain liable for penalties. But for areas rightfully reclaimed by the state, the state will transparently manage them to generate revenue for the nation," Ms. Kulawalee explained.
In the hot issue in Mae Thalop subdistrict, Chai Prakan district, Chiang Mai, outside investors used heavy machinery to clear upstream dense forest on the mountain for ginger farming. This caused soil erosion, sediment, and agrochemical runoff into the Mae Thalop reservoir, making it shallow and risking contamination of the community’s water supply. Over 300 villagers united to demand justice.
The commission ordered an immediate halt to encroachment in the area, coordinated water quality inspections, and vowed serious prosecution of major culprits. They also sent a letter urging the Wood Industry Organization (WIO) to tighten monitoring of its leased land exceeding 11,441 rai, where about 70% has reportedly been encroached upon, including destruction of approximately 247 rai of protected upstream forest.
"These assets and forests belong to the public. We will ensure they benefit people in Phuket, Chiang Mai, and across the country, but everything must comply with the law and respect court judgments. While laws do not yet allow repurposing, we as legislators will study amendments carefully. Regarding upstream forests, clean water is life for villagers. We will not allow anyone to destroy it for personal gain," Ms. Kulawalee concluded.