Thai authorities have arrested an excavator driver and secured a protected swamp forest area on Koh Samui island following a joint operation in Surat Thani province.
The Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 led a joint operation with Bo Phut police and forestry officials to inspect public forest land in moo 4 of Bo Phut district on Koh Samui. The raid followed reports of illegal occupation and large-scale earthworks.
Officers found machinery being used to clear the land. The driver was unable to produce any title deeds or permits. He was arrested and charged with violating the 1941 Forest Act, specifically for illegal occupation and degradation of a forested area.
The man admitted he had been hired to prepare the ground for storing waste. Investigators seized the machinery and are continuing enquiries to identify the organisers and any beneficiaries of the operation.
Surveys established that approximately 50 rai of peat forest had been damaged. Authorities have marked out the affected area, announced ecological restoration measures and increased patrols to prevent further incursions.