Land-grabbing being probed

       An investigation into an illegal land-grabbing scheme in Chiang Rai province is underway following a recent discovery that more than 80 per cent of forest reserves and national parks have either been developed into resorts and plantations, or belonged to private owners.
       A source with the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry said the issuance of fake land ownership in prohibited areas in Mae Salong forest reserve had begun when it was under the control of the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department (DNP), then the Royal Forest Department (RFD), and currently the Forest Industrial Organisation (FIO).
       "No one has [tried to control] this practice nor [taken] any action against anybody behind it. The entire forest reserve is under the influence [of powerful interests]," the source said.
       RFD director-general Somchai Phiensathaphorn said yesterday he had received a written request querying progress of an internal investigation into encroachment and resorts being built in the forest reserve.
       "We are in the process of verifying the request and relevant facts," he said.
       The request was submitted last week by the DNP and Mae Chan police based in Chiang Rai. Asked how long the investigation would take, as the matter had dragged on for a long time, Somchai said: "I cannot give a time frame for the scrutiny now, but I will hasten the learning about the encroachment for a long time," he added.
       The Mae Salong forest reserve is located in mountainous and hillside areas and, as required by forestry laws, cannot be transferred to private ownership. The encroachment and illegal transfer of land ownership to private owners began late in 1994 and has continued since. The ministry claims it once launched an inquiry into the practice, but received no answers.
       In the latest discovery, the source said FIO surveyors "were stunned" after finding out that about 20 per cent of areas, or around 700 rai, were being cultivated, while 80 per cent were owned, or had became resorts and tourist accommodation. He said these owners were influential people and at times threatened forestry or FIO officials with gunshots when they entered their areas.
       In an RFD finding, 5,481 rai of areas are now owned, have been sold or have had their ownership transferred. Some 746 rai are being cultivated and are regarded by authorities as being owned.