Phetchabun officials are gearing up for the planned demolition of three illegal resorts on Phu Thap Boek as the deadline for the operators to vacate is drawing near.
The resorts are part of a second group of illegally-built resorts in the popular and scenic mountain area in Lom Kao district. The operators have until Nov 20 to tear down the structures or authorities will move in to clear the area.
The demolition cases against 16 other resorts in this group have yet to be finalised by the court.
The preparations were discussed in a recent meeting of a committee responsible for tackling illegal occupation of forest reserves led by governor Piboon Hatthakitkosol.
However, local officials were urged to talk to the resort operators about the need to leave and to explain the legal consequences if they failed to comply. They would have to absorb expenses incurred in the demolition work carried out by authorities.
Lom Kao district chief Somlak Yoknoiwong said two of the three resorts in the second batch were cooperating while the other was not. He said authorities would try their best to avoid confrontation.
The meeting also discussed the third group of illegally built resorts. Out of 64 resorts, 45 are allegedly operated by local Hmong villagers and the others by non-local residents.
It was agreed that provincial officials would hold talks with officials from the Social Development and Human Security Ministry about how to help the local Hmong people.
Deputy governor Krit Khongmuang said that if Hmong villagers voluntarily vacated the land, they would get help under a government rehabilitation plan. However, if they are evicted by a court order, they would face legal action.
The Hmong villagers demanded to know if they would be allowed to make use of the land after the demolition, said Mr Somsak.
Phu Thap Boek was originally reserved for the resettlement of the Hmong hilltribe people. However, some highlanders were accused of leasing the land to outsiders who built resorts.
A total of 19 illegal resorts on the mountain were demolished between Aug 19-Sept 28, costing the state more than 2.35 million baht. Officials will send the bills to the resort operators.
According to the governor, whether or not the highlanders would be given land use privileges would depend on the government's policy and a master plan for forest management.