KANCHANABURI: Authorities have given Kok Kot resort, accused of encroaching on forest land in Erawan National Park, 30 days to demolish its buildings even though prosecutors say the owner had no intention of committing wrongdoing.
Prosecutors have decided not to indict the resort owner, Siriyut Siriyutthaphong, on a charge of intentionally encroaching on forest land.
However, the decision does not clear Mr Siriyut of the charge of encroaching on the protected forest, according to Niphon Chamnongsirisak, chief of Protected Area Regional Office 3.
Mr Niphon led officials yesterday in putting up a signboard in front of the resort announcing the demolition order. Mr Siriyut runs the business with his partner, the daughter of a general.
However, as park officials have stood firm on the demolition order, Mr Siriyut's business partner has withdrawn her shares, according to Mr Niphon.
Park officials launched an inspection of the resort, located in tambon Chong Sadao in Muang district, and found it covers an area spanning more than six rai inside Erawan National Park.
Mr Siriyut had earlier lodged a petition seeking to reverse the demolition order, but the Supreme Administrative Court rejected his request.
"So we have full authority to proceed with the demolition," Mr Niphon said.
The resort owner is ordered to remove all buildings from the forest area or stand to face up to three years in jail and a maximum fine of 300,000 baht.