Khet Udomsak officials pulled the plug on a suspected illegal digging operation only discovered after residents complained about dirt-hauling trucks.
Mayor Pairoj Malakul Na Ayuthaya dispatched police in Taothan village to close down the backhoe and dump trucks on 700 rai of land behind the Thongthip market May 30. Residents complained to him the large trucks were driving through the middle of town, causing pollution and damaging roads.
When Sen. Col. Sgt. Suphao Srisukh and 1st Cpl. Chalerm Samnaojlang arrived workers fled the scene, fearing arrest.
Residents complain about the large trucks driving through the middle of town, causing pollution and damaging roads.
Anusra Juajaemsai, hired by the landowner to improve the property and remove dirt, said he was unaware digging up one’s own property was illegal. He said the trucks drove through the town center because it was the fastest route to the Taothan mosque, were the dirt was being dumped.
Officials actually were unsure if a permit had been authorized or not, so they shut down the operation until it could be sorted out.
