Authorities suspect the documents were used to legitimise land encroachment in what is considered protected forest. More than 2,000 rai of forest land has already been cleared, he said, adding that preliminary findings point to influential figures working in collusion with state officials to unlawfully issue the documents. Initial assessments place the damage from forest encroachment and logging at more than 200 million baht. The ministry plans to pursue civil lawsuits alongside criminal proceedings to recover losses and restore the forest. “We must return this forest, which is a national asset, to the public as quickly as possible,” Mr Nipon said.

Source: Bangkok Post April 10, 2026 15:55 UTC