NAKHON RATCHASIMA -- A provincial committee here has begun work on a plan it hopes will become a model for dealing with illegal encroachment on state lands nationwide.
The panel, chaired by governor Thongchai Lue-adul, comprises public- and private-sector representatives including residents in Wang Nam Khiew district.
The committee's goal is to draft a list of measures to combat illegal occupation of forest reserves, national parks and areas allocated for a land-reform programme in Wang Nam Khiew district.
Mr Thongchai, who is due to retire at the end of this month, said he hoped the committee would be able to finish the draft this week and submit it as a "Wang Nam Khiew model" to the cabinet and the National Legislative Assembly for consideration.
He said the measures being considered hopefully would provide sustainable solutions to the illegal land grab problems in the Thap Lan National Park, Khao Phu Luang National Forest Reserve and areas for land reform in Wang Nam Khiew district.