Sa kaeo: Suchart Chomklin, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, has reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the issue of Cambodian encroachment in the Ban Nong Chan area by enforcing the law to its fullest extent. He emphasized that any negligence would constitute a violation of Section 157.
According to Thai News Agency, Suchart discussed the situation in the Ban Nong Chan area of Khok Sung District, Sa Kaeo Province, which is under the jurisdiction of the Royal Forest Department. He clarified that the area is designated as forest land and has directed the Royal Forest Department to file a complaint to secure their rights, ensuring that the land remains under the Forestry Act of 1941. Following this, the provincial governor is tasked with overseeing the management of the provincial forestry. Suchart has already engaged with the governor and the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, emphasizing that security forces should manage the situation. He declared zero tolerance for illegal occupation, ordering the installation of signs to assert rights and the prosecution of encroachers. He insisted on the importance of enforcing the law regardless of nationality to prevent further illegal occupation of forest land.
In response to inquiries about the deadline for the Sa Kaeo governor to communicate with the Banteay Meanchey governor, urging Cambodians to vacate the Ban Nong Chan area by October 10th, Suchart stated he had discussed the matter with the governor and the commander of the 2nd Infantry Division. The security sector has been informed that martial law is in effect, and security forces are to act according to the law. Suchart expressed his support for the situation but stressed the importance of adhering to their laws to reclaim the land.
Suchart reiterated the necessity of law enforcement to avoid breaching Section 157. He conveyed to civil servants the importance of thoroughly enforcing the law, questioning how Thais can maintain order if other countries do not respect their laws.