The Cabinet is preparing to revise regulations on forest area utilization, increasing the number of permitted activity types from 10 to 16. The update also introduces online application submissions and reduces site inspection procedures to facilitate citizens and government agencies.
On 1 September 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Lalida Pertviwattana, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, announced that the Cabinet approved in principle a draft ministerial regulation on permits for forest area utilization, as proposed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. This revision updates the ministerial regulation in place since 2015 to better align with current land use and activities, while improving the permit application and forest inspection process for greater convenience and clarity, including allowing applications to be submitted electronically.
The Deputy Spokesperson explained that the previous ministerial regulation specified 10 types of permitted forest utilization purposes, which no longer cover current activities, including some previously authorized uses that now require permit renewals. The new draft expands these to 16 types, adding six categories: renewable energy operations, telecommunications, public utilities, waste management activities, forestry welfare services, and other uses aimed at economic, social, environmental, or security development.
The 16 permitted purposes now include mineral exploration and mining; petroleum exploration and production; sand, gravel, or soil extraction; renewable energy operations; telecommunications; residence or agricultural occupation; forest plantation or tree cultivation; eco-tourism and recreational facilities; wildlife breeding or zoo operations; religious site construction; academic study or research; official government use; public utilities; waste management; forestry welfare services; and other uses promoting economic, social, environmental, or security development.
Another key aspect is facilitating application submissions, allowing applicants to apply electronically. For government agencies or state units granted exemptions by Cabinet resolutions dated 23 June 2020, 11 May 2021, and 25 February 2025, forest condition inspectors may assess site conditions using submitted data and documents or conduct on-site inspections, thereby reducing steps and expediting processing. Currently, there are 187,521 such pending applications.
Ms. Lalida stated that the draft regulation also adjusts permit durations to better match actual use. For example, residence or agricultural occupation permits are extended from a maximum of 10 years to up to 30 years; eco-tourism recreational areas from up to 10 years to up to 30 years; and wildlife breeding or zoo operations from up to 10 years to up to 30 years. New activities such as renewable energy, telecommunications, public utilities, and waste management are set with permit durations not exceeding 30 years.
Simultaneously, criteria concerning permissible areas have been clarified. Areas considered must not be those specifically prohibited by Cabinet resolution, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, protected mangrove forests, or community forest zones. For projects or activities requiring environmental impact assessments, permits will only be granted after the assessment results have been reviewed.
Additionally, permit holders must strictly comply with conservation conditions, such as using only the authorized area for the permitted purpose, avoiding activities that damage forest conditions or adjacent forest areas outside the permit zone, and the Director-General may impose additional social and environmental responsibility conditions on the permit.
“This revision does not imply opening forest areas for unrestricted use but rather updates the permitting system to accommodate actual activities with clearer criteria and reduced unnecessary steps. At the same time, there remain area restrictions and conservation conditions to ensure sustainable forest resource management alongside utilization,” Ms. Lalida said. .
The Deputy Spokesperson added that the draft regulation abolishes fees for application forms, permits, permit renewals, transfers, and replacement permits, as these are no longer appropriate or cost-effective. However, permit holders must still pay fees for forest maintenance or plantation development at rates set by the minister and based on the authorized area.
The draft regulation has undergone public consultation as required by law, with 84.78% of respondents in favor. The Office of the Council of State has advised that the Cabinet may approve the draft regulation in principle before proceeding with the legal process.