Phuket –
On June 29th, local authorities in Phuket have launched a coordinated operation to investigate suspected encroachment on protected forest land in the Kamala Hills, also known as Khao Nang Phanthurat.
At 4:00 p.m., Siwatch Rawangkul, District Chief of Mueang Phuket, led a joint team comprising district officials, members of the Volunteer Defense Corps (Or Sor), provincial forestry officers, and the village headman of Moo 2, Koh Kaew Subdistrict. The operation followed reports of illegal land clearing in the forest reserve bordering Kathu District and Koh Kaew.
Investigators discovered evidence of heavy machinery being used to clear and level land, including the construction of a concrete road in certain sections. These activities fall under offenses related to encroachment on national forest reserves. No individuals were present to claim responsibility during the inspection, but one backhoe was found on-site. The machine was seized as evidence, and officials documented the scene for submission to police investigators.
Phuket authorities stated their commitment to protecting natural resources and the environment, pledging strict enforcement against forest encroachment. The province continues to integrate efforts across agencies to prevent and suppress illegal activities in forest areas.
