Kaeng Krachan National Park, a proposed Unesco world heritage site, is no stranger to controversy.
This week, local conservationists lodged a complaint with the Phetchaburi governor over a project to upgrade two sections of a dirt road in the park by paving it with a concrete surface so vehicles can travel faster to reach Khao Phanoen Thung, a prime tourist destination inside the park.
One 3.4km stretch is budgeted at 8.8 million baht while another 18.5km section will cost 79 million baht. Reports say the area will close next Thursday to allow for construction work, which has a completion deadline of five months.
The project was proposed by the National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, which had already signed a contract late last month with two private construction companies, without consulting local people.
Worse yet, the department allegedly bypassed environmental impact assessment (EIA) studies, which are mandatory for projects in ecologically sensitive areas. If true, this is not acceptable.
Mana Permphul, the chief of Kaeng Krachan National Park, has defended the project, saying it would enable motorists to drive faster.
But that's the problem. As a matter of principle, cars should not be allowed to go at high speeds in a protected area or they will pose a threat to wildlife. Kaeng Krachan is known for its bounty of flora and fauna, which got it added to the Unesco heritage site nomination list. Mr Mana, in his role as park chief, should be as well-apprised of the park's value as anyone. Yet he is failing to demonstrate this awareness.
Chamlong Wilailert, a coordinator for the Network of Kaeng Krachan Protection and Conservation, who spearheaded the campaign against the road, said the park could end up sacrificing exactly the pristine conditions that made it famous.
The conservationist cited the case of Khao Yai National Park, where more than 3,000 animals were found to have been killed in road accidents last year.
His network fears the same scenario could be repeated in Kaeng Krachan if the road cutting through animals' natural habitat is upgraded.
In July, animal lovers were saddened to learn about the death of an Asiatic black bear in Khao Yai forest. The animal was struck and killed by a lorry while crossing a road from Thap Lan National Park to its usual habitat in Khao Yai. And no one wants a repeat of that story.
Kaeng Krachan has suffered as a result of previous efforts to improve roads in the area around Ban Krang, adjacent to Khao Phanoen Thung.
There have been complaints about the upgrade, which has opened up access to more tourists, whose driving behaviour and other actions reportedly disturb and rattle the animals. The excessive number of tourists is also stretching the forest's carrying capacity. The road would simply serve as just another blow.
In defending the project, Mr Mana said he plans to set up new checkpoints to ensure motorists behave properly. But critics suggest the checkpoints will be of little use.
The Khao Yai case speaks volumes about how such measures have failed.
It is high time for Natural Resources and Environment Minister Surasak Karnjanarat to step in. He can't afford to ignore the concerns over the project any longer.
If he does not immediately scrap it, the minister is obliged to order park officials to suspend its operations and launch a public forum where the issue can be debated.
Importantly, Gen Surasak must ensure that the national parks department conducts an EIA report, as is required by the law.