In rhe formal complaint, submitted at the Phuket NACC office on Monday (Jan 29), Mr Chamroon expressed concern on behalf of the Thai people about the misuse of forest resources and public land in Bang Khanun National Forest Reserve, which he said as state land was collectively owned by the Thai people.
The complaint alleges that government officials in the area have engaged in behaviour encouraging intruders to occupy and destroy the national reserved forest, despite its designation as protected forest area.
The Royal Forestry Department has allocated funds from the national budget for reforestation efforts in the area, emphasising its significance, he added.
However, the complainants argue that neglectful behaviour by provincial officials and forest officials, along with other related government agencies, had led to encroachment, deforestation, and the cultivation of commercial crops.
The encroachment, primarily monoculture, is causing irreversible damage to the island’s rainforest ecosystem, Mr Chamroon said.
The complainant emphasised that the responsible officials, who are duty-bound to manage and preserve forest resources, had neglected their responsibilities, leading to unlawful possession of forest areas in the Bang Khanun forest by groups and individuals.
The complaint cites a special case investigated by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) under the Ministry of Justice, case number 49/2021, where charges have been filed against nine intruders for encroachment on the Bang Khanun forest.
It is known that the Royal Forestry Department granted permission to government agencies, including the Royal Thai Navy, Thalang Technical College and Vachira Phuket Hospital, for public use.
The complainants argue that the behaviour documented in official documents points towards favouritism and neglect of duties, potentially constituting offences under Sections 157 and 151 of the Criminal Code.
The complaint submitted was addressed to NACC Director, urging an immediate and thorough investigation into the alleged offences committed by the implicated government officials.