The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Continue is undertaking a project targeting mangrove forest encroachments with more than 100 inspectors, seizing mangrove encroachment areas in Samut Songkhram Province. This is in accord with the government policy to suppress the encroachment of forest areas and restore forests throughout the country.
Mr. Warawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment has ordered to the inspection of the forests throughout the country. He says that the current forest ares of Thailand are approximately 102.49 million rai or 31.68 percent of the country’s area.
The goal set by the government is to increase this area to 40 percent of the country, or 129.41 million rai. This policy is to be expedited with the inspection of mangrove forests across the country, if encroachment is found, it will be reported immediately with action taken under the law without exception for this operation.
Mangrove forest areas have recently increased from 1.53 million rai to 1. 58 million rai. This is due to restoring degraded forests and reclaiming invaded areas. Large areas have been found to be excavated for aquaculture ponds, large wells and trenches.
The government also has a project to acquire land for arable and housing to assist community members affected.
The Minister says “Every square inch of the forest is owned by Thai people, and the people have the right to protect and reclaim their possessions. Government agencies are just the people who look after and act to keep everyone’s possessions intact and complete for a long time. ‘
