Environmental Activists and Academics Oppose Land-Management Exemption Bill
A leopard was spotted wandering around a helipad in Kaeng Krachan National Park in Phetchaburi province, believed to be waiting for its prey, in 2024. The incident highlights the fragile ecosystem of Thailand’s natural reserves, which are under threat from various human activities, including deforestation and land encroachment.
In response to this concern, environmental activists and academics have come together to oppose a land-management exemption bill proposed by 42 MPs from the People’s Party and the Prachachart Party. The bill, known as the Exemption of Offences for Persons Affected by Government Policies on Forest and Land Management, is seen as a "destructive tool" that would dismantle safeguards for the nation’s forests.
The 20-article bill aims to exempt individuals who have been affected by government policies on forest and land management from prosecution. However, critics argue that this provision would allow investors and those holding forest land illegally to escape legal action. Senator Chiwaphaph Chiwatham, 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 to gain legal ownership rights.
"This bill poses a serious threat to forest security," Mr. Chiwaphaph said. "Offenders would not only avoid prosecution but would also gain legal ownership rights." He emphasized that social movements remain the most effective means to protect forests and wildlife, and urged stakeholders to take action against the legislation.
The proposed bill has been met with resistance from various organizations, including the National Parks Association of Thailand and its partners. They plan to submit a petition to the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) to investigate the 42 MPs who proposed the bill, insisting it contravenes the constitution.
The Impact of Land Encroachment on Forests
Land encroachment is a major concern in Thailand’s national parks and forests. According to estimates, over 10,000 cases of land encroachment are currently involved, covering more than a million rai of reclaimed green areas. The proposed bill would extend beyond forest land to all categories of state-owned land illegally occupied.
Critics argue that the bill would allow investors to take advantage of the current situation and gain control over premium forest land in Phuket, coastal areas, and fertile mountain zones currently under court dispute. This would inevitably lead to the transfer of these lands from local communities to investors, resulting in the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem disruption.
Hidden Agenda Behind the Bill
Senator Chiwaphaph Chiwatham has warned that the bill carries a hidden agenda to benefit business interests. He emphasized that stakeholders must take action against the legislation, citing the need for social movements to protect forests and wildlife.
The proposed bill is seen as a threat not only to forest security but also to local communities and their livelihoods. Environmental activists argue that the bill would disempower local communities from controlling their own land and resources, leading to further marginalization and displacement.
Investors’ Role in Land Encroachment
Critics of the proposed bill have highlighted the role of investors in land encroachment. They argue that investors often use residents as nominees to acquire forest land illegally. Once the land is acquired, investors can then sell it or develop it for their own gain.
Senator Chiwaphaph Chiwatham has warned that the bill would allow offenders to gain legal ownership rights over forest land they have acquired through illegal means. This would not only undermine efforts to protect forests and wildlife but also perpetuate the cycle of corruption and impunity.
Conclusion
The proposed land-management exemption bill is a contentious issue that has sparked debate among environmental activists, academics, and local communities. Critics argue that the bill would dismantle safeguards for the nation’s forests, favor investors over local communities, and threaten biodiversity.
As the Thai government considers the passage of this bill, it is essential to weigh the interests of investors against those of local communities and the environment. The proposed bill has sparked a wider conversation about land management policies and their impact on forest security, and stakeholders must continue to engage in this discussion to ensure that the rights of local communities are protected.
Environmental activists have called for further investigation into the role of investors in land encroachment and their connections to politicians who propose such legislation. The passage of this bill would undermine efforts to protect Thailand’s natural resources and perpetuate a culture of impunity among those involved in land encroachment.
In conclusion, the proposed land-management exemption bill is a contentious issue that has far-reaching implications for forest security, local communities, and the environment. As stakeholders continue to engage in this discussion, it is essential to prioritize the rights of local communities and protect Thailand’s natural resources for future generations.