The Lampang Governor ordered a fact-finding investigation after villagers complained that a sand pier in Wang Nuea District, Lampang Province, might be used for illegal gold mining. A special task force was immediately deployed. Initial findings showed no evidence of gold mining but revealed violations of the Factory Act, subject to legal fines. The sand pier owner insists the complaints are politically motivated.
On 22 Sep 2023 GMT+7, Mr. Wiwat Inthaithong, Governor of Lampang Province, directed Mr. Sompong Wangrungwichaisri, Lampang Industry Officer; Mr. Somphot Phuengboon, Lampang Land Officer; and Mr. Thossaphol Chakbunma, Wang Nuea District Chief, to coordinate with Mr. Nopporn Boonchottarakul, Director of the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) in Lampang, to jointly investigate complaints from villagers alleging that a sand pier along the Wang River near Wat Phra Koet in Thung Hua Subdistrict, Wang Nuea District, is a front for illegal gold mining.
The complaint alleges that the business operates large machinery on-site and has cleared surface soil over several dozen rai. They obtained permits for sand excavation but are allegedly conducting gold mining along the fertile upper Wang River. Moreover, there are indications that a shadowy Chinese investment group is backing the operation by buying riverside land in Wang Nuea District and using Thai nominees as intermediaries, prompting this investigation.
Reporters noted that upon arrival, Mr. Sompong and officials identified themselves and met with Mr. Thapanwat Peerasitpath, 27, who claimed ownership of the sand pier and guided them around the site. The excavation covers over 20 rai, including sand pits, soil extraction, and a sedimentation pond. Excavators and trucks were operating, and large machinery for sand separation was present. Officials documented the site accordingly.
Officials collected soil, sand, and water samples from the sand pier to check for evidence of illegal gold mining but will await lab results. They also aim to assess environmental impacts on the Wang River headwaters. So far, no evidence of illegal gold mining was found, but other violations were detected, such as failure to notify the start of factory operations per Section 51 of the Factory Act, punishable by a fine of up to 20,000 baht.
Mr. Sompong Wangrungwichaisri, Lampang Industry Officer, stated that preliminary inspections found no irregularities relating to illegal gold mining. Samples of soil, sand, and water were collected for further testing. Equipment at the workers' camp indicated sand excavation and sorting activities. Further lab analysis will seek any components related to gold mining as per the complaint. Legal penalties under the Factory Act will proceed accordingly.
Mr. Thossaphol Chakbunma, Wang Nuea District Chief, said the initial field inspection found no evidence of illegal gold mining. Geological samples of soil, sand, and water were taken for analysis. The only violation found was unauthorized excavation of soil forming a pond. They are also investigating whether the land involved includes public property related to the sand excavation.
Mr. Thapanwat Peerasitpath, 27, the sand pier owner, said he believes he is being politically persecuted, which led to the complaints. He affirmed that his business involves only sand excavation and not gold mining, and that all operations comply with legal procedures.
“I am definitely being persecuted. This is my third inspection. The first complaint involved alleged Chinese investment involvement; the second concerned foreign labor. Both times, no wrongdoing was found except for unauthorized soil excavation, for which I have already paid fines and settled the matter. Now the accusation is illegal gold mining, which I deny. The sand pier I operate is licensed solely for sand excavation because gold mining is not financially viable,” Mr. Thapanwat said.
Mr. Thapanwat added that wastewater treatment is properly managed. Although the sand pier is located next to the Wang River headwaters, the waste is treated carefully. The water system is a closed loop; no river water is used or discharged. The green mesh netting around the site is to prevent villagers from seeing inside because some malicious parties have taken photos and posted false claims online alleging gold mining, as has happened with previous complaints.
“The claim that shadowy Chinese investors are buying land to mine gold is untrue. I think villagers mistakenly believe I am Chinese because of my appearance, but I am Thai from Wang Nuea, continuing the family business from my father. I would like to use this media platform to clarify the facts,” Mr. Thapanwat said.