DSI cooperates with local authorities to seize illegal machinery and tools used by an illegal sand-dredging operator in the Nan River, Uttaradit Province

DSI cooperates with local authorities to seize illegal machinery and tools used by an illegal sand-dredging operator in the Nan River, Uttaradit Province

On Friday, January 10, 2025, the DSI’s Special Case Operations Center Region 6, in cooperation with Tha Sao Subdistrict Municipality, Uttaradit Forest Preservation and Protection 3 (Na Pu Thon), Uttaradit Special Forest Task Force, Uttaradit Provincial Industry Office (Mueang Uttaradit District), Marine Office (Phrae Branch), Land Development Office Region 8, Uttaradit Provincial Land Office, military force, Uttaradit Provincial Police, and other relevant authorities, conducted an operation to seize forested land, machinery, and a large amount of tools used for illegal sand-dredging. The seized items included tractors, sand-dredging boats, sand-sifting machines, and more, located on an island in the Nan River, Moo 8, Tha Sao Subdistrict, Mueang District, Uttaradit Province. This operation followed a complaint filed by Tha Sao Subdistrict Municipality in Mueang District, Uttaradit Province, against Chorkamonrat Co. Ltd. and individuals involved in the crime. The suspects, who are influential figures holding significant positions in the area, were charged with trespassing and occupying public land, claiming rights over public land, or occupying it for their own or others’ benefit without permission. These actions violate the Land Code, B.E. 2497 (1954) and are part of special case no. 38/2566.

Additionally, the relevant authorities inspected the area and uncovered additional violations related to the establishment and operation of a factory without authorization, which contravenes the Factory Act, B.E. 2535 (1992). Moreover, the suspects were found to have engaged in deforestation activities, including constructing, clearing, burning, or otherwise destroying forested land, or occupying forested land for their own or others' benefit without permission (over 25 rais) constituting a violation of the Forest Act, B.E. 2484 (1941). The investigation team will compile the evidence obtained from the seizure and inspection to incorporate it into the case file for further legal proceedings in accordance with the law.