Natural Resources Minister Visits Chanthaburi to Tackle Water Scarcity, Wild Elephants, and Land Issues
The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment inspects Soi Dao district in Chanthaburi, fast-tracking the Khlong Ta Phlai reservoir project and enhancing wildlife monitoring systems.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Minister Suchart Chomklin visited Soi Dao district, Chanthaburi on August 9, 2026, to address three key issues.
- The Khlong Ta Phlai reservoir project covering over 402 rai awaits Cabinet approval for partial land revocation.
- Expanded community volunteer networks and surveillance technologies are deployed to mitigate wild elephant conflicts.
On August 9, 2026, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin, accompanied by Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Director-General Atthapol Charoenchansa and ministry executives, traveled to Soi Dao district in Chanthaburi province to meet local residents and address their challenges. They were welcomed by Chanthaburi Governor Monsit Paisalthanawat, local Members of Parliament Pol. Lt. Gen. Surapol Virat-yosin, Mr. Khampee Chuenban, Mr. Charat Neranchorn, and Mr. Pichanon Inprasarn, alongside community leaders and citizens.
The inspection focused on three urgent agendas: water scarcity, wild elephants straying out of conservation zones, and agricultural land tenure issues, all of which directly impact local livelihoods and safety. Mr. Suchart instructed relevant agencies to expedite water resource management solutions in Soi Dao district, specifically in Patong and Sai Khao sub-districts, while reviewing the progress of the Khlong Ta Phlai reservoir project.
The Khlong Ta Phlai reservoir project encompasses approximately 402 rai, 3 ngan, and 96 square wah within the Khao Soi Dao Wildlife Sanctuary. The development strictly follows legal procedures, having already gathered public opinions from stakeholders and local communities, and is currently pending formal Cabinet approval for land area revocation to proceed with construction.
Regarding water, we must ensure that citizens have adequate supplies for daily use and agriculture, establishing long-term water security. Problem-solving must move quickly while adhering strictly to the law and considering environmental impacts.
Suchart Chomklin
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Later, Mr. Suchart visited the Khao Soi Dao Wildlife Sanctuary to encourage rapid deployment teams monitoring wild elephants, forest fire suppression units, and rangers, while distributing survival bags to support field personnel. He received briefings on local situational reports and elephant monitoring systems, urging officials to enhance rapid communication to ensure swift action in driving wild elephants back into conservation zones.
Managing human-wildlife conflict, particularly wild elephants venturing outside protected habitats, remains a critical environmental challenge in Thailand. Integrating modern surveillance technology with grassroots volunteer networks—such as the 19 active volunteer groups across Soi Dao and Pong Nam Ron districts—significantly improves emergency response times, protects local farming communities, and safeguards forest boundaries.
Regarding land tenure, the government maintains its commitment to addressing community rights fairly and transparently under legal frameworks, ensuring that residents secure stable livelihoods without encroaching upon protected forest reserves.
Source: Khaosod Politics
Found something wrong in this article? Report an issue with this article
Comments
Leave a Comment