Bangkok: The Senate's Environmental Committee has launched an investigation into allegations against a cassava flour factory in Korat for encroaching on a protected forest. The factory is owned by a current minister, who has claimed that the issue transcends political boundaries and is fundamentally about legality.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chivaphop Chivawatham, Senator and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Environment, led the committee meeting to address the encroachment concerns. The committee reviewed cases of several tapioca flour factories allegedly infringing on national forest reserves across multiple provinces.
Mr. Chiwaphap highlighted that the committee's discussions were not confined to Ubon Ratchathani Province but also included an older, more substantial case in Seing Sang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. This case involves a larger encroachment area and the same minister. The committee is committed to ensuring fairness and insists that the matter be resolved in accordance with the law. The investigation revealed that three major groups of tapioca factories have encroached on forest land, notably in Seing Sang District, where 18 treatment ponds have been constructed over hundreds of rai. This area overlaps with the Dong I Chan Yai National Forest Reserve and the SorPorKor area, which remains a forest reserve without a SorPorKor 4-01 issuance.
Mr. Chiwaphap noted that a civil lawsuit has been filed against the factory by SorPorKor. Legal action is deemed necessary due to the alleged encroachment. In court, mediation has occurred, with land restoration compensation exceeding 20 million baht. Recent aerial photograph analyses suggest that the area is still in use and not yet rehabilitated. Moreover, findings indicate that other areas outside the factory are protected forest regions overlapping with ALRO boundaries. Actions are required to address these encroachments. Further investigation in Ubon Ratchathani Province is also necessary, with relevant agencies summoned for clarification. Next week, the committee will invite ALRO to update on enforcement progress, including the Royal Forest Department's involvement. The allocation of land to ALRO for public use and the legality of using it for cassava factory construction are under scrutiny.
Mr. Chiwaphap emphasized, "The accused in both cases is the same individual, who currently serves as a minister. It is crucial to inform the public and present the facts transparently."