YALA, 12 September 2014 – Illegal logging in protected areas in Yala has been reported, prompting police to launch an investigation.
Forest rangers and police officers in the province have been dispatched to the forest reserve believed to be trespassed by groups of loggers. Police earlier received tip-offs that trees in Ramun district have been cut down by unknown people.
In Kaokalor forest reserve, the damage to the area has been estimated at over 21 million baht. In another protected area near the Saiburi river, over 23 rai of land have been destroyed, with the damage estimated at around 3.5 million baht.
Initial investigation indicated that chainsaws, knives and other tools have been used to tear down many valuable trees. Parts of the forests have also been torched.
Local police will continue to deepen the probe to locate the identity and whereabouts of the loggers.
