Six Arrested for Illegal Logging in Kamphaeng Phet Forest Reserve
Thai authorities arrested six people for illegally logging protected Padauk and Redwood trees in a national forest reserve in Kamphaeng Phet province. The operation, directed by the Natural Resources and Environment Minister, seized nine Padauk logs, three Redwood logs, three chainsaws, and other equipment. The suspects had reportedly been cutting timber in the reserve since mid-October.
On October 23, 2026, the Royal Forest Department deployed a multi-agency task force to inspect the Khlong Suan Mak and Khlong Klung National Reserved Forests near Thara Thip Kiriwan Meditation Center in Ban Kaeng Nam Tok, Moo 18, Khlong Lan Pattana Subdistrict, Khlong Lan District, Kamphaeng Phet Province. Acting on a tip-off about illegal logging, officers arrested six suspects while they were cutting and transporting timber. Authorities seized nine logs of protected Padauk, three logs of protected Redwood, three chainsaws, and hauling ropes. Forest Department Director-General Nikkorn Sirojananont reported the operation involved Forest Resource Management Office 4 (Tak) units from Pha Nok (Phetchabun), Trai Trueng, Nam Dip, and Khao Wang Yai, along with a special forest task force, police, and Khlong Lan National Park officials. The suspects allegedly entered the forest to cut timber starting October 19 and returned on October 22 before being caught.
