UPDATE: Forest Department Seizes Allegedly Encroaching Land at Phuket Big Buddha

Phuket –

The Royal Forest Department has seized back a five Rai plot of allegedly encroached land at the Phuket Bug Buddha.

Our previous stories:

Phuket has been announced as a disaster zone in which 209 families are currently suffering from the effects of landslides and flash floods, announced relevant officials.

Thirteen people have been found dead including two Russian nationals after a landslide in Karon on Friday early in the morning (August 23^rd).

A local in Phuket has filed a letter to the Phuket Governor asking for a formal investigation to find the causes of a landslide on the Nark Kerd Hill in Karon, Mueang Phuket.

The Karon Mayor has confirmed that no legal license was requested for some construction on the Phuket Big Buddha.

The Department of Mineral Resources has confirmed soil indicators used to detect possible landslides are not working due to a lack of budget and maintenance.

The Royal Forest Department has confirmed that some areas at the Big Buddha have encroached illegally into a reserve forest.

Now for the update:

On Friday (August 30^th) the director of the Phuket Forest Office Mr. Sorasak Raranan told the Phuket Express “We have filed a report to the Karon Police. Today we placed the announcement to seize back a five Rai plot of land that has allegedly encroached on a reserved forest on the Nark Kerd Mountain. After that the case will follow the legal process.”

The Karon Police Chief Colonel Khundet Na Nongkhai told the Phuket Express. “We have inspected the encroached area and collected evidence. A summons has been issued for Mr. Suphon Wanichkun who is the president of the Phra Phuttha Ming Mongkhon Sattha 45 Foundation. He will be questioned on September 5th of next month.”

Mr. Suphon has as of press time not released a public statement.