Bangkok: The Director-General of the Department of National Parks will inspect the illegally cut road along the Mae Yuam River tomorrow, emphasizing that no executives have demanded bribes. The Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation is preparing to visit the area tomorrow, along with an advisor to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, to inspect illegally constructed roads in the Mae Yuam Right Bank Wildlife Sanctuary in Mae Hong Son Province. He emphasized that after learning of corruption by the former head of the sanctuary, both criminal and disciplinary action has been taken without exception. He also reiterated that "Lao Fang" (the director-general) absolutely did not solicit or accept bribes from high-ranking officials, and expressed openness to all parties with suspicions to participate in the investigation.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Atthapol Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, revealed that tomorrow he will be visiting Mae Hong Son province with advisors to Mr. Suchart Chomklin, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, to investigate the illegal road construction in the Mae Yuam Right Bank Wildlife Sanctuary.
Previous investigations revealed that the illegal road construction, totaling 6.6 kilometers in the Mae Yuam Right Bank Wildlife Sanctuary and another 1.278 kilometers in the Salawin Wildlife Sanctuary, began in late 2025. Following the discovery of the incident, criminal charges were filed, a disciplinary investigation was initiated, and the involved officials were transferred out of the area for transparency.
In addition, 329 valuable logs were discovered to have been cut down, with a total volume of 156.94 cubic meters. Officials marked and secured the confiscated items, ensuring they were not moved out of the area. They are also coordinating with the police and security agencies to investigate further and identify all those involved.
Mr. Atthapol reiterated that tomorrow's site visit will include a joint meeting with security forces, community leaders, and relevant agencies at Mae La Luang Police Station before inspecting the actual incident site. This is to allow all parties to listen to and verify the facts firsthand. He also confirmed that all perpetrators will be prosecuted according to the law.
Regarding this matter, Mr. Lau Fang Banditthoetsakul, a prospective MP on the People's Party's party-list, observed via social media that the road construction in the area may have underlying political motives. He questioned whether the expansion of the issue and the timing of the action might be related to a restructuring of power within the agency, as well as the possibility of personnel changes in key positions.
Furthermore, observations were made regarding the benefits derived from transportation routes in areas near the border, which may be linked to both established and newly powerful groups. Concerns were also raised that in cases of this nature, lower-level officials or villagers might be prosecuted instead of those in power.
The Department of National Parks has recently issued a statement saying that all issues must be investigated based on evidence and that they are ready to conduct a transparent scrutiny to ensure that the facts are clearly revealed to the public.