Media gets a view of Phu Phan exploitation
Local police flew members of the news media in helicopters yesterday to see encroachment by rubber plantations in the Phu Phan mountain range in Sakon Nakhon, Kalasin and Udon Thani.
Sakon Nakhon police commander Major-General Udom Jampajan showed journalists hundreds of rai of forest conservation area that had been stripped and prepared for rubber planting. Several resort-like structures appeared to have been built, too. Police investigating allegations of deforestation by influential groups found widespread illegal farming. Local forestry and Phu Pa Lek National Park officials confirmed the areas inspected were forest reserve. They expected plantations to expand. Those felling trees have fled, but milled timber, logs and two chainsaws were seized. Udom vowed to prosecute the culprits and stop the illegal farming.
The Nation SAKON NAKHON
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