Chanthaburi: DSI, in conjunction with relevant agencies, conducted an investigation to seize illegal encroachment activities in the Tok Phrom forest area. Over 120 rai of unauthorized fruit orchards were discovered.
According to Thai News Agency, on August 5-6, 2025, Police Major Yuthana Praedam, Director-General of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), tasked Police Major Nattaphon Disayatham, Director of the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division, under the guidance of Police Major Chatuphon Bongkotmas, Deputy Director-General of the DSI, to direct Police Major Nimit Promma, Deputy Director of the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division, to visit the Tok Phrom National Forest Reserve in Khlung District, Chanthaburi Province. This operation was coordinated with the 9th Forest Management Office (Chonburi), the Special Suppression Task Force (Phayak Phrai), Khlung District Administrative Officers, and officers from the Tok Phrom Police Station, aiming to investigate the illegal encroachment allegations for large-scale orchard establishment. The DSI, through its Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division, has formally taken up the case as Investigation Cases 85/2025 and 88/2025.
The investigation uncovered that durian and mangosteen orchards had been illegally planted across four plots, totaling over 120 rai, in the Pa Tok Phrom National Forest Reserve. These activities breach the National Reserved Forest Act of 1964 and its amendments, the Forestry Act of 1941, among other relevant laws. Although the area was seized, the responsible parties were not identified. Coordinates were documented, and a map of the area was created. A complaint has been lodged with the Tok Phrom Police Station. The investigation team plans to forward the case to the Director-General of the Department of Special Investigation for further actions.
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) emphasizes the importance of addressing natural resource and environmental challenges, particularly forest encroachment and destruction, whether in national forest reserves, national parks, or state lands. Therefore, the public is encouraged to report any sightings of forest encroachment or destruction to the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division, via the DSI website (www.dsi.go.th), or through the DSI hotline at 1202 (toll-free nationwide).