Bangkok (VNA) – Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on May 13 asked relevant agencies to review people's requests on forest land use to ensure economic efficiency and environmental protection.
The Thai government attaches importance to improving the livelihood of people through land rights, but the use of forest areas is a delicate and complex matter that must be handled carefully, Srettha said during his visit to Ratchaburi after listening to a briefing presented by provincial governor Kiattisak Trongsiri.
In his presentation, Kiattisak proposed the work plan and projects that are necessary for the development of Ratchaburi, including those covering requests to make use of forest areas.
Of 5,841 total requests, 293 were approved, 187 were rejected and 2,961 are being processed. The other requests required further documents.
Kiattisak said that the provincial authorities face problems including overlapping authority and unclear status of forest lands.
Srettha said requests to use forest lands must be reviewed and approved in line with the law. He said the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Interior Ministry and the military must join in looking into the matter.
However, he cautioned the laws should not be applied in a manner that deprives the people of land necessary for maintaining their livelihood./.
