The case follows the deadly landslide on Aug 23 that killed 13 people, injured 19 others and destroyed or damaged more than 50 homes.
Heavy rain caused rocks and mud to cascade down from the Nakkerd hills, resulting in fatalities and extensive damage as homes and properties were buried by mud along Soi Patak 2, Karon Police noted in a statement issued yesterday (Oct 9).
Of note, the notice was posted publicly by the government news service NBT in Phuket, which operates under the Phuket office of the Public Relations Department (PRD).
Karon Police have yet to post the notice directly through their own channels. (Update: Karon Police have now posted the notice, click here.)
An investigation by the Phuket Provincial Forestry Department and related agencies revealed that the landslide occurred at the site of the Big Buddha statue, constructed by the Phra Phuttha Ming Mongkol Sattha Foundation 45, Karon Police said in the statement.
Authorities linked the deforestation of protected forest land at the site to the deadly landslide, the notice confirmed.
Sorasak Rananan, Director of the Phuket Forestry Center, filed a formal complaint at Karon Police Station on Aug 27, accusing the foundation of violating the Forestry Act of 1941, the notice said.
The charge follows the Royal Forest Department investigating a complaint filed by local residents in Karon, who blamed illegal construction at the tourist-popular Big Buddha viewpoint for the deadly landslide.
In conducting their investigation, RFD officers seized more than five rai of land at the Big Buddha viewpoint deemed to have been illegally expanded on by the foundation.
“Karon Police launched an extensive investigation, with close supervision from senior officials, including Pol Lt Col Surapong Thanomchit, Commander of Provincial Police Region 8, and Pol Maj Gen Sinlert Sukhom, Commander of Phuket Provincial Police,” said the statement by Karon Police.
“After gathering sufficient evidence, Karon police indicted Suporn Wanichkul, both in his personal capacity and as the president of the Phra Phuttha Ming Mongkol Sattha Foundation 45. The charges include ‘jointly constructing, clearing, burning forests or doing anything that destroys forests or occupying forests for oneself or others without permission’,” Karon Police explained.
“The case file, along with the suspects, has now been sent to the Phuket Provincial Prosecutor’s Office for further legal proceedings,” Karon Police assured.