Forest operation
Encroached land to be reclaimed
Military officers have been told to assist wildlife officials in a new operation to reclaim more than 600,000 rai of encroached forests countrywide.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Dapong Ratanasuwan said on May 22 that the crackdown needs help from soldiers because state agencies overseeing the forests are understaffed and their officials feel more secure with military assistance.
The operation will be carried out in the second half of this year, officials said.