Surin: The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has adjusted measures to take care of forest resources along the Thai-Cambodian border, following the Prime Minister’s order, adding more border routes and joining patrols with the military to prevent forest encroachment.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chatuporn Buruspat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), has tasked the Royal Forest Department and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation with increasing measures to manage forest resources in national reserve and conservation forests along the Thai-Cambodian border. This directive follows an inspection of operations in Surin Province.
The Ministry has engaged in discussions with military units in the area to enhance the efficiency of natural resource management in these border regions. These discussions have led to the development of strategies aimed at addressing forest encroachment, particularly the issue of illegal logging, which has been intermittently reported.
One strategy under consideration involves optimizing the use of existing ‘casual routes’ along the border. These routes are set to be improved for use as patrol lines or checkpoints to combat natural resource-related crimes. Military units will coordinate to establish joint bases for operations and patrols in these areas, which are fraught with landmines. There have been incidents of smart patrol officers encountering landmines during their patrols.
The enhancement of these casual routes aims to maintain the natural condition of the forest while maximizing the effectiveness of patrolling efforts. It is expected to improve the interception of offenders and enable quicker access to these areas by officers.
Mr. Chatuporn highlighted the importance of feedback from local officials regarding necessary equipment, operational channels, and existing limitations. He advocated for support in areas where resources are lacking to bolster the protection of the country’s natural resources along the border to the greatest extent possible.