Chiang mai: Chiang Mai is cracking down on those responsible for the forest fire smoke, in response to instructions from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior. The governor emphasized that further arrests will be made, and that all sectors must work together to eliminate the forest fire smoke problem as quickly as possible.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Arsit Sampanrat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, revealed that this morning he received a report from Mr. Rattapol Naradisorn, Governor of Chiang Mai Province, regarding the apprehension of individuals illegally entering the forest. The arrests were made at 1:00 AM by a joint patrol team from the Chai Prakan District Administration, Pha Daeng National Park, and soldiers from the 33rd Military Circle. The team was conducting a nighttime patrol and setting up checkpoints to detect illegal forest entry, forest fires, and hunting in the area of Ban Kiu Champee, Sri Dong Yen Subdistrict, Chai Prakan District, Chiang Mai Province.
A team of officials apprehended one suspect for illegally entering the forest at night. The suspect was carrying a black backpack and was found to be carrying a large quantity of ammunition, including gunpowder, buckshot, and other bullets. They also discovered drug paraphernalia, including a bamboo pipe, used foil, and a lighter. The suspect confessed to having been in the forest for two days to set up hunting traps, specifically snares used to catch wild animals such as civets and rabbits. He also admitted to entering the forest to use drugs, planning to leave the area after use before returning to his community. The suspect was then taken to Chai Prakan Police Station to file charges, and his rights as an arrested individual were explained before being taken into custody for legal proceedings.
This arrest was carried out in accordance with the instructions of Mr. Arsit Sampanrat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, who visited Chiang Mai Province on April 1-2 to monitor the progress in addressing the wildfire, haze, and particulate matter situation. This was in line with the instructions of Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, who instructed the Governor of Chiang Mai and other governors in the northern region, as well as heads of government agencies, district officers, deputy district officers, village heads, and local administrative organization executives, to implement all measures, especially law enforcement. This included patrolling and arresting those illegally entering forest areas, and prosecuting them without exception. This is because such actions violate provincial announcements, which currently prohibit entry into forest areas in all northern provinces, in order to effectively address the wildfire, haze, and particulate matter situation and rest ore normalcy as quickly as possible.