The Natural Resources and Environment Minister has instructed authorities to step up the forest reclamation missions in the South and the East to stem the rampant encroachment.

Natural Resource and Environment Minister General Dapong Rattanasuwan has told authorities to focus their efforts on southern provinces of Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Surat Thani where forest encroachment is particularly heavy due to the growing oil palm and rubber industries.

In Krabi alone, a survey found investors turned over 3,000 rai of forest into rubber plantations. Gen Dapong expects that the land reclamation could be completed in three months, after which period the forestation and aid projects for affected people can begin.

While the reclamation operations in the South are likely intense, the eastern region also reported of a vigorous campaign. In Chonburi province, over 50 authorities have taken back 73 rai of mangrove forests which were converted into shrimp farms. Workers have fled the scene while all equipment was removed before the authorities’ arrival. The area has been off limits to the general public.

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