llegal loggers kill forest ranger

llegal loggers kill forest ranger

One forestry official was shot dead Tuesday after a clash with log poachers stealing <i>phayung</i>, or Siamese rosewood, in Phu Pha Thoep National Park in Mukdahan province.

Nipol Chotibal, deputy chief of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, said seven forest rangers clashed with about 30 smugglers while they were patrolling on Tuesday. Officer Pipat Klangprapan was killed in the shootout.

Mr Nipol said the department has now lost 10 forest rangers this year in clashes with illegal loggers looking for rosewood.

He said the department is seeking approval from the cabinet to buy 6,000 rifles and an equal number of bullet-proof vests at a cost of 600 million baht. 

However, it might take a long time as the government needs to exchange rice for the weapons, he said. 

The department has paid compensation to Pipat's family of at least 250,000 baht.


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