Mahouts versus Rambo
Chiang Mai mahouts claim the filming of a Hollywood movie invaded part of a forest conservation area without legal permission and also barred villagers from entering the forest, an informed source said yesterday.
The mahouts in Mae Taeng district's Tambon Keud Chang claimed production of "Rambo IV: In the Serpent's Eye", starring Sylvester Stallone, had prevented them from feeding their elephants in the forest.Chiang Mai natural resources and environment official Phuchong Insombat said the film company had asked for permission to use the forest areas in Doi Saket district's Tambon Mae Phra and Luang Nher. However, they also used the Keud Chang "first-class" area (areas deemed most fertile) without obtaining legal permission, he said. Phuchong said his office would cooperate with other agencies to inspect the area today, using the Global Positioning System (GPS) to check if the company had used the area illegally. Meanwhile, the Cabinet yesterday approved the Tourism and Sports Ministry's proposal to make Thailand a one-stop service centre for film production to attract overseas producers, said Netpreya Chumchaiyo, assistant spokesman at the PM's Office,. The Cabinet also instructed the ministry to join forces with the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry and the Cultural Ministry to make a list of locations where film productions could be operated without damaging the environment and another guide to what was permitted for film crews.
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