The eviction of Karen villagers from Kaeng Krachan National Park in 2011 was illegal, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has ruled.
According to an NHRC investigation report on the issue, the evictions violated human rights principles and constitutional law.
Wut Boonlert, coordinator for the Karen Network on Culture and Environment, filed a complaint to the NHRC in 2011 on behalf of 28 Karen people who were forcibly resettled from their birthplaces. Park chief Chaiwat Limlikitaksorn is accused of leading officials to destroy and set fire to Karen homes in Bangkloy Bon and Jai Phandin villages, which were situated within the park's boundaries.
The Karen victims were then resettled at another village called Bangkloy Lang.
NHRC commissioner Niran Pitakwatchara said the actions of park officials breached human rights principles set out in sections 4 and 66 of the 2007 constitution.
The NHRC believes the Karen villagers had the right to reside in Bangkloy Bon and Jai Phandin, since they were living there before the area was designated as a national park, Dr Niran said.
The NHRC report sets out several recommendations for officials. It says the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation must establish a truth-finding committee to investigate the evictions.
In the meantime, officials have been told to stop arresting or intimidating Karen villagers and allow them to return to their land. The report adds that the group of villagers should all be granted Thai citizenship.