Forest Fire Arsonist Jailed and Fined 133 Million Baht
A man responsible for a devastating forest fire that ravaged over 2,166 rai (346 hectares) of protected land in Phitsanulok’s Khao Noi-Khao Pradu Wildlife Sanctuary has been sentenced to four years in prison and fined 133.23 million baht, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) announced today.
The suspect was arrested on May 6 last year after being caught cutting down and burning trees near Ban Rai Suksomboon 10 village in Wat Bot district. His reckless actions ignited a massive blaze, causing severe environmental destruction and threatening local wildlife. Wildlife sanctuary officials swiftly pressed charges under the Forests Act 1941, the National Reserved Forests Act 1964, and the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act 2019.
On August 22, the Phitsanulok Provincial Court initially sentenced him to eight years in prison, later reducing it to four years after his confession. In addition to his jail term, he was ordered to pay 133.23 million baht in damages, with a 5% annual interest rate applied from May 6. The court also ruled that he and his associates must vacate the national forest reserve within 30 days once the case is finalized.
The DNP welcomed the verdict, emphasizing that it sets a strong precedent for environmental crimes and serves as a warning to those who exploit protected areas for personal gain.
The fire had a catastrophic impact, destroying thousands of trees and displacing countless animals, further underscoring the need for stricter enforcement of conservation laws. Officials continue to monitor the affected area and urge the public to report any illegal activities in protected forests.
The case has reignited discussions on imposing harsher penalties for arsonists and those involved in illegal deforestation, as Thailand continues to battle an ongoing crisis of wildfires and environmental destruction.
