Chiang Mai:Minister Suchart Chomklin has ordered a manhunt for those responsible for the illegal logging of cherry blossom trees in a Hmong village on Doi Pui mountain. The minister is coordinating with police and local authorities to expedite the investigation and prosecution of the perpetrators involved in cutting down these significant trees.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Suchart, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, directed the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to speed up the investigation into the illegal logging of 15 cherry blossom trees and other trees. The trees were cut into 46 logs near the landmark of the royal visit to Ban Mong Doi Pui, a significant tourist destination with historical value. He emphasized that legal action must be taken fairly and impartially, regardless of the group responsible.
Mr. Yongyuth Nakaviroj, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, has instructed Mr. Thongchai Nararat, head of Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, to mobilize officers for further inspections. Coordination with police and local administration is underway to expedite evidence collection and track down the perpetrators for prosecution. Increased patrol measures are being implemented to prevent repeat offenses.
The inspection revealed the illegal cutting down of 15 trees, including 11 cherry blossom trees, 2 golden shower trees, 1 yellow trumpet tree, and 1 cypress tree, using a chainsaw. These actions violate the National Park Act B.E. 2562 (2019), the Forestry Act B.E. 2484 (1941), and the National Forest Reserve Act B.E. 2507 (1964). Officials from Doi Suthep-Pui National Park filed a complaint with Phuping Rajanives Police Station on October 22, 2016, to proceed with legal action.
This case arose from concerns by villagers and tourism operators in Ban Doi Pui, who contacted reporters to seek assistance in investigating the felling of large Thai cherry blossom trees (Prunus cerasoides) within Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. The villagers fear the action may have lacked proper public hearing or legal permission.
Local residents emphasized the area's symbolic and historical significance, connected to the royal visits of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (King Rama IX). The trees were planted to commemorate His Majesty's 87th birthday on December 5, 2007, and have been a show of loyalty for over 20 years. The cherry blossom trees also serve as a major tourist attraction during the upcoming winter high season.