Thong pha phum: Four Myanmar nationals were apprehended by Thong Pha Phum National Park officials in collaboration with a special military and border patrol police unit. They were caught illegally mining gold and damaging the Class 1A watershed forest. Along with the arrests, authorities seized 40 firearms and gold mining equipment, although eleven other individuals managed to escape.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Yutthaphong Damsrisuk, Head of Thong Pha Phum National Park, reported that the park has been working closely with the Border Patrol Police, military, and local government officials to set up a joint checkpoint. This initiative aims to intensify patrols and prevent illegal gold mining activities within the park. On November 15th, a coordinated operation was launched with military personnel from the Lad Ya Task Force and Lad Ya Surasee Force, under the guidance of Mr. Chakkrit Tanpirun, Thong Pha Phum District Chief, to address the ongoing issue of illegal gold mining in the area.
The operation focused on the Pilokki Forest in Pilok Subdistrict, Thong Pha Phum District, which is a critical Class 1A watershed area and a known site for previous gold mining operations. As part of the surveillance strategy, officials planned to install CCTV cameras for around-the-clock monitoring. At approximately 10:00 PM, these cameras detected a group of 15 individuals armed with firearms attempting to mine for gold. Despite an attempt by officials to intercept them, the group fled, exploiting the darkness and their familiarity with the terrain. Four suspects, identified as Burmese/Karen nationals without legal status, were captured, while eleven others escaped.
Officers discovered wallets containing ID cards of five other fugitives and are actively pursuing all 11 suspects. The confiscated items included gold mining tools, firearms, ammunition, communication devices, and personal belongings like mobile phones and radios.
The actions of the suspects violate multiple forestry laws, including the Forestry Act of 1941, the National Reserved Forests Act of 1964, and the National Parks Act of 2019. They also face charges related to firearms and ammunition possession. The four apprehended individuals have been handed over to Pilok Police Station investigators for further legal action. Efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining fugitives.
Thong Pha Phum National Park officials reaffirm their commitment to enforcing the law to protect vital watershed forests and prevent illegal gold mining, which significantly impacts local ecosystems and water resources. They plan to work with security agencies, local governments, and communities to curb natural resource encroachment and ensure strict legal prosecution to deter future offenses.