An aerial picture shows the controversial housing estate built for judicial officials at the foothills of Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai. Thirasak Rupsuwan, who serves as a coordinator of the network fighting to reclaim the Doi Suthep forest area, said he found Gen Prayut's remark positive and a sign that the coming talks with the government will be fruitful. Mr Thirasak was speaking at a forum organised by the group on Saturday in Chiang Mai for interested parties to discuss the housing project. Emphasising the importance of forest conservation in his weekly TV address on Friday, Gen Prayut touched on the housing project matter, saying the cabinet felt uncomfortable about the Doi Suthep housing project as it was affecting not only Chiang Mai residents but also Thais across the country. The government's most urgent task was to regrow the forest at the housing project which was felled during construction, Gen Prayut said.

Source: Bangkok Post May 06, 2018 01:07 UTC