SURAT THANI: Authorities are gearing up for action against people illegally occupying land on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan after an aerial survey revealed large scale forest encroachment on the two tourist islands.
Surat Thani governor Witchawut Jinto on Wednesday led officials of the Royal Forestry Department, the Royal Thai Police Office, military and other agencies to inspect land believed to encroach on forest reserves on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.
The latest aerial survey detected 65 blocks of land on the two islands that appeared to encroach on public or forest areas or national parks - 48 on Koh Samui and 17 on Koh Phangan, Mr Witchawut said. There was clear forest encroachment in some areas.
All owners of the land in question would be required to produce their title deeds for verification that they were issued before the 1941 Forest Act was enforced.
Any land document found to have been illegally obtained would be revoked. Those involved would face legal action. A panel would also be set up to look into forest encroachment on the two islands, the governor said.
“The ad hoc panel will look into forest encroachment in these areas and forward the findings on a case by case basis to a provincial-level committee tasked with tackling forest encroachment. The committee will follow guidelines under order 66/2557 issued by the National Council for Peace and Order to tackle land rights problems in forest areas,’’ Mr Witchawut said.