Chiang Mai:Officials from Sri Lanna National Park successfully apprehended a group involved in illegal logging and the transportation of protected timber. The operation resulted in the arrest of one individual, while seven others managed to escape.

According to Thai News Agency, the operation was led by Mr. Anont Kulnil, head of Sri Lanna National Park, along with support from Pha Daeng National Park officials, police, and military personnel. It took place last night in the Takian-Huai Ton Chok-Huai Pla Prung forest area, located in Ban Pang Mayao, Chiang Dao District. This area is part of the Chiang Dao National Forest Reserve and Sri Lanna National Park.

During the operation, a group of eight suspects arrived in a pickup truck and began unloading timber onto three parked six-wheeled trucks. When officials revealed themselves, the suspects attempted to flee. Two suspects drove away in a vehicle, while five escaped on foot. However, Mr. Preedarung, a 41-year-old from Chaiyaphum Province, was apprehended.

Mr. Preedarung admitted to being hired by an individual named Mr. Sombat to transport the wood to Suang Men District, Phrae Province, for a payment of 10,000 baht. Authorities seized evidence, including three trucks and 31 logs of processed rosewood, and Mr. Preedarung was taken in for further questioning to aid in expanding the investigation.