Six resort owners identified, face charges

Nakhon Ratchasima Governor Rapi Pongbuppakit yesterday identified the alleged owners of six resort/vacation homes in his province's forest reserve, all of whom will be summoned soon to face charges relating to encroachment.

They are Rasitapak Tanasriwanichchai, Asira Jessadanikorn, Somsak Kongsapsakun, Prapat Herbkhuntod, Chaleaw Daengkratoke, Montri Chalayon and Kanoknart Rangsitianchai. Montri and Kanoknart are co-owners of Krua Im Suk Resort.

All the resorts and vacation homes are located in the forest reserve in Nakhon Ratchasima's Wang Nam Kheow district.

"Investigators will summon them soon," Rapi said in his capacity as chief investigator in the case, "After they receive the summons, they must turn themselves in within 14 days or face arrest warrants".

Administrative officials and police have worked together in solving the forest-encroachment cases.

He added the team was in the process of gathering evidence relating to 16 other resorts found in the forest reserve.

Meanwhile, Muang Lampang District chief Mongkhon Suksai yesterday disclosed that the Office of Public-Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) had already asked the Lands Department to revoke Nor Sor 3 land-right documents and land-title deeds of a company owned by a local politician because they covered 2,400 rai of permanent forestland.

Damrong Pidej, acting director-general of the National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, yesterday vowed to crack down on forest encroachment.

"I will focus on the southern national parks where many locals have encroached on forest for rubber plantations," he said.

Thap Lan National Park chief Tewin Meesap yesterday said he would soon report to Damrong his unit's action against forest encroachment.

"Three cases have already been closed," he said.

Many resorts were found to have operated in the Thap Lan National Park in Prachin Buri.

Tewin firmly dismissed an allegation that officials had received a Bt1-million bribe from resort owners who had flouted the law.

"Apart from those three cases, we are acting on 115 new cases," he said.

He said relevant officials were now preparing to pull down 38 resorts or vacation homes in the national park.

"The announcement about order to dismantle has already been posted," he said.

Damrong said that after the posting, the dismantling would take place within 45 days if the owners did not come forward and lodge an appeal.

"The owners of more than 30 properties have appealed," he said.