Thailand targets illegal rubber plantation

qiangzi

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Bangkok, Thailand - The Nation reported that the Thailand Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) will ask the government for Bt 50 million to finance the tearing down of 14,000 rai of illegal rubber plantations based in headwater areas in 13 provinces in the South. According to the department, illegal rubber plantations have been extensively encroaching into national forest reserves and wildlife parks because parawood has been going for a higher price. Widespread deforestation and illegal rubber plantations in sloping areas are said to be a major cause of frequent landslides in the south. The DNP found that illegal rubber plantations, financed by business people and corrupt politicians, have taken over more than 700,000 rai in restricted areas.