Chiang mai: Officials from Sri Lanna National Park intercepted a gang of rosewood loggers as they were preparing to remove trees from the forest. They were taken into custody and prosecuted according to the law.

According to Thai News Agency, the arrest followed a strategic operation where park officials placed hidden cameras along the Huai Tham Muang hiking trail in Village No. 9, Chiang Dao Subdistrict, within the park’s boundaries. The operation, which began on November 4, 2015, revealed a group of individuals entering the forest with logging equipment.

The officials closely monitored the activities and successfully identified and arrested Mr. Athit, a 39-year-old resident of Ping Khong Subdistrict. Mr. Athit was caught transporting illegally cut rosewood, also known as krayalai wood. The logs were cleverly concealed in banana leaves and hidden within the forest, ready for removal. A total of 75 logs were counted during the operation.

Mr. Athit was subsequently taken to the Chiang Dao Police Station, where he is facing legal proceedings for his involvement in the illegal logging activities.