Limestone Mine in Phetchaburi Province Investigated for Encroachment on National Forest Reserve

Phetchaburi: The Royal Forest Department has expanded its investigation into a limestone mine in Khao Kapuk Subdistrict, Tha Yang District, Phetchaburi Province, after analyzing satellite images that suggested potential encroachment on hundreds of rai of national forest reserve. Initially, the mining company claimed the land had title deeds, prompting officials to give it 15 days to present the documents. If encroachment is confirmed, strict legal action will follow. According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Surachai Achalaboon, Director-General of the Royal Forest Department, ordered the Special Suppression Task Force (Phayakphrai), led by Mr. Chanchai Kitsakdapab, to collaborate with officers from the Special Forest Operations Unit, SJP.10, Phetchaburi Branch. The team, including Mr. Arun Singhto from the Forest Protection Unit at P.P.1 (Yang Chum), and officers from the Internal Security Operations Command of Phetchaburi Province, inspected the area. The mine was permitted to operate within the national forest r eserves of Yang Nam Klat Nuea and Yang Nam Klat Tai forests to mine industrial limestone for construction, but operations may have exceeded the granted area. The investigation revealed that the target area, located in Khao Krabueng Subdistrict, overlaps Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan Provinces. The permission granted for mining covered 85 rai 42 square wah, valid from September 26, 2018, to September 25, 2028. Officers found that the area was being used to dump soil and sand and to build roads outside the concession area, lacking permission to operate within the national forest reserve. The damaged forest area was calculated to be 143-1-44 rai. Consequently, a report was filed with Tha Mai Ruak Police Station, Phetchaburi Province, to prosecute the company under the National Reserved Forest Act and the Forest Act B.E. 2484. In Nong Plab Subdistrict, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, inspectors identified a mineral processing plant and related establishments spanning approximately 150-1-04 rai. Although the area reportedly had land title deeds and licenses, these were not presented during inspection as the company owner was out of province. Officials instructed the Forest Protection Unit at PK.5 (Nong Ying Mi) to request submission of these documents within 15 days. The Tiger Unit was tasked with reporting to the Forest Resource Management Office 10, Phetchaburi Branch, for further inspection in line with regulations and laws.