Ex-Kaeng Krachan park chief to head forestry taskforce

Ex-Kaeng Krachan park chief to head forestry taskforce

Chaiwat Limlikit-auksorn as pictured in April 2014, when he was chief of Kaeng Krachan National Park.(Bangkok Post file photo)
Chaiwat Limlikit-auksorn as pictured in April 2014, when he was chief of Kaeng Krachan National Park.(Bangkok Post file photo)

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has named controversial former Kaeng Krachan park chief Chaiwat Limlikit-aksorn head of a new taskforce targeting “big fish” in the illegal forestry and wildlife businesses.

Mr Chaiwat will lead a Phaya Sua (Tiger King) special-operations unit, a 21-strong team comprising senior park officials and legal experts armed with GPS-enhanced maps. The members were hand-picked by DNP chief Thanya Nethithamakul.

The Phaya Sua unit's main objective is to arrest major offenders and influential figures behind forest encroachment and wildlife trafficking, launching at least two cases each month, Mr Thanya told a news conference Tuesday.

Responding to reporters' questions whether appointment of Mr Chaiwat, who previously had legal disputes with ethnic Karen forest dwellers, would be a problem, Mr Thanya said Mr Chaiwat had been cleared of and proved innocent in every court case. He claimed more Karen villagers supported Mr Chaiwat and wanted him to return to work in Kaeng Krachan National Park in Phetchaburi than those who hated him.

Mr Chaiwat was determined in his mission and should carry out his job, due to start next week, well, the DNP chief added.

Last year, Mr Chaiwat was cleared of two major court cases that dragged on for years.

On Sept 1, the Supreme Court upheld two lower court decisions and dismissed charges related to the disappearance of Karen rights activities Porlajee "Billy" Rakchongcharoen.

A month later, the Region 7 Appeal Court upheld the acquittal of he and four alleged accomplices in the murder of Karen rights defender and politician Tatkamol Ob-om in early 2011.

Do you like the content of this article?
COMMENT