Minister Orders Crackdown on Illegal Logging; Truck Seized in Uttaradit
A joint task force in Uttaradit province seized a 10-wheel truck carrying 12 illegal padauk logs and arrested two suspects early on October 23. Natural Resources Minister Suchat Chomklin ordered the continued crackdown on timber smuggling and pledged to expand the investigation to uncover the full supply chain. The operation involved forestry officials, district authorities, and multiple police units.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin disclosed today (October 23, 2026) that he received a report from Forest Department Director-General Nikorn Sirojananont about a joint operation to prevent and suppress illegal timber transport in Uttaradit province. At around 01:30 on October 23, 2026, officials from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Interior Ministry, and police agencies collaborated to intercept a suspicious 10-wheel truck believed to be smuggling padauk logs. Two suspects were detained for legal proceedings, reflecting the government's serious and continuous commitment to combating forest resource crimes.
Nikorn added that the operation involved the Central Investigation Division, the Conservation and Resource Protection Division, Forest Protection Unit 6 (Ban Muang), Suppression Center 3 (SCP.3), Na Pad District officials, Na Pad Provincial Police Station, and Border Patrol Police Company 316. They set up a checkpoint on Highway 1339 (Pak Nam–Na Pad route) at Ban Suan, Moo 5, Saen To Subdistrict, Na Pad District, Uttaradit.
Officers stopped and inspected the suspect 10-wheel truck, discovering approximately 12 padauk logs hidden inside. The timber and the vehicle were seized as evidence, and the two suspects were taken into custody for legal action.
Following the seizure, officers gathered evidence and handed the case to investigators at Na Pad Provincial Police Station for further legal proceedings. They are also expediting the investigation to trace the timber's origin, the masterminds, and any other individuals involved in the crime to ensure full legal accountability.
Minister Suchat emphasized that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment prioritizes the prevention and suppression of illegal logging, forest destruction, and timber trafficking. The ministry will continue to integrate cooperation with all relevant agencies and instruct officers to perform their duties strictly, transparently, and in accordance with the law to intercept criminal networks from source to destination, while tracking all levels of involvement to protect the nation's forest resources and preserve forests as a natural heritage for future generations.
