Thailand’s National Park Committee has approved a proposal to revise the boundaries of Thap Lan National Park, removing approximately 155,865 rai (about 25,000 hectares) from the park to resolve land disputes between the government and local communities that have persisted for more than 50 years. The land will be transferred to relevant agencies to allocate land-use rights to eligible residents who occupied the area before it was designated as a national park.
However, the decision has sparked widespread debate. Conservation groups have raised concerns over the potential for land speculation, the risk of investors exploiting the allocation process, and possible impacts on the Dong Phayayen–Khao Yai World Heritage Forest Complex. In response, the government has pledged to designate more than 86,966 rai of additional protected forest, establish buffer zones around the World Heritage site, and continue prosecuting illegal forest encroachment cases without granting amnesty.
The next phase will be closely watched, particularly the verification of land rights for more than 5,200 residents, the implementation of replacement conservation areas, and the effectiveness of measures to prevent land from falling into the hands of private investors. Ultimately, the challenge lies in balancing community land rights with long-term forest conservation in a transparent and sustainable manner.
Cr. dailynews