MNRE plans to defend park chiefChaiwat: Glad for grace periodThe Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) plans to appeal a court decision to remove the former chief of Kaeng Krachan National Park from his post due to the forceful removal of Karen villagers a decade ago. But MNRE permanent secretary Jatuporn Buruspat said the Phetchaburi Provincial Court gave Mr Chaiwat a stay of execution on July 27. Mr Chaiwat said he was glad to have been granted the grace period. The court also ruled that his offence was related to an alleged dispute against the Karen villagers in the park, rather than being a case of corruption. The Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) had recommended the MNRE dismiss Mr Chaiwat and five other park officials due to the burning of about 100 Karen residential homes there in 2011.
