Officials arrested a Myanmar national on suspicion of illegal wildlife hunting and seized animal remains, firearms and ammunition during an operation in Kaeng Krachan National Park on Friday, 16 October.
The inspection covered four plots near Ban Pa Deng Nuea, where satellite imagery had indicated suspected forest encroachment.
Officers recovered the remains of four types of protected wildlife: a long-tailed macaque, a giant frog, an Asian forest tortoise and a hornbill. They also seized a .22 LR rifle, a percussion-cap firearm, an M16 magazine and 28 rounds of ammunition.
The suspect and seized items were handed over to investigators at Kaeng Krachan Police Station.
Kaeng Krachan land encroachment investigated
On two plots, officials said banana and oil palm cultivation had extended beyond permitted boundaries by a combined total of more than four rai, encroaching on firebreaks. The occupants admitted the violations and agreed to remove the crops and replant the forest.
Officers also reclaimed more than 13 rai on a separate plot, which officials said had been purchased by someone from outside the area for durian cultivation and construction. The owner was charged with encroaching on a national park.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin ordered strict enforcement after receiving a report on the suspected encroachment.
He instructed officials to examine land occupation under Section 64 of the National Parks Act 2019 and take legal action over unauthorised expansion, unlawful land transactions, illegal hunting and wildlife trading.
The operation was led by park chief Mongkol Chaiyaphakdi, supported by district administrative officials and soldiers from the Thap Phraya Suea Task Force.
Mongkol said officials would gather further evidence against those involved and prepare plans to restore the reclaimed areas. Satellite monitoring would continue to help detect further encroachment.