Environmental activists and academics oppose a land-management exemption bill, warning it would harm natural resources, favour investors, and threaten local communities and the environment.
At a forum organised by Kasetsart University’s Faculty of Forestry on Wednesday, academics and activists denounced the bill on the Exemption of Offences for Persons Affected by Government Policies on Forest and Land Management proposed by 42 MPs from the People’s Party and the Prachachart Party. They said the 20-article bill is a “destructive tool” that would dismantle safeguards for the nation’s forests.
Senator Chiwaphaph Chiwatham, also chairman of the Senate Committee on the Environment, expressed concern over the bill, warning it would pave the way for those holding forest land illegally — particularly investors who often use residents as nominees — to escape legal action. “This bill poses a serious threat to forest security. Offenders would not only avoid prosecution but would also gain legal ownership rights,” Mr Chiwaphaph said.
“Premium forest land in Phuket, coastal areas, and fertile mountain zones currently under court dispute would inevitably be transferred to investors. The bill carries a hidden agenda to benefit business interests,” he said.
He added stakeholders must take action against the legislation, emphasising that social movements remain the most effective means to protect forests and wildlife.
Currently, over 10,000 cases, covering more than a million rai of reclaimed green areas, are involved. The bill would extend beyond forest land to all categories of state-owned land illegally occupied.
Meanwhile, the National Parks Association of Thailand and its partners will submit a petition to the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) to investigate the 42 MPs who proposed the bill, insisting it contravenes the constitution.
