LAMPANG – A group linked to an international timber trafficking network, allegedly with connections to Chinese investors, was caught illegally cutting down a pair of large Burmese rosewood trees near Mae Moh Forest Park in Lampang.
Authorities moved in while the group was preparing to transport the timber, causing most suspects to flee. However, one man was arrested at the scene along with two pickup trucks and several logs.
Jira Songput, head of the Forest Resource Management Office 3 in Lampang, ordered a special operation after learning about renewed illegal logging activity in the area. Patthararen Prasitkul, who oversees forest protection and fire control, led the crackdown.
Officers from several local forestry units, the national forestry office, environmental police, border patrol police from Chiang Mai, local officers from Mae Moh police station, national park rangers and military from the Special Forces Battalion at Pratu Pha were all involved.
The operation happened late at night in the forest south of Pratu Pha Camp, along the Lampang-Ngao road, within the protected Mae Moh Forest. The team focused on land near Ban Pong Phak La (Champui), Village 4 in Ban Dong subdistrict, Mae Moh district.
Authorities had been tracking the group for some time, suspecting a resurgence in illegal logging despite frequent arrests in the past.
Some residents were believed to be assisting the traffickers, who are focused on harvesting protected Burmese rosewood for export, replacing high-value timber like Siamese rosewood that is in high demand overseas.
During the raid, officers found at least eight men who quickly scattered into the forest. One, identified as Songob, 56, a resident of Ban Dong, Mae Moh, was detained. Police confiscated two modified pickup trucks, one of which was equipped with a metal frame and an electric winch, along with six large rosewood logs totalling 3.85 cubic metres.
The estimated loss to the state is over 134,000 baht. Other seized items included logging equipment, eight methamphetamine pills, three black BAOFENG walkie-talkies, one black ICOM walkie-talkie, two mobile phones and a white bag containing clothes, underwear, a hat, socks and gloves.
The suspect was taken to Mae Moh police station for further questioning. All seized property was held at Forest Protection Unit 13 (Mae Moh) in Ban Dong. Authorities are working to identify other members of the group.
Preliminary charges against the suspect include multiple violations of Thailand’s Forest Act, including illegally logging protected Burmese rosewood and possessing unregistered timber, as well as hiding or selling forest products obtained through illegal means.
Additional charges under the National Reserved Forest Act and the Chainsaw Act cover illegal activity inside a protected forest and possession of a chainsaw without permission. Officials continue to investigate the wider network behind the operation.
The team stressed that ongoing cooperation between local agencies and residents is crucial to tackling illegal logging and protecting Thailand’s remaining forests.
In northern Thailand, protecting Burmese rosewood (Dalbergia cochinchinensis) has become urgent, as this rare tree faces heavy illegal logging due to demand for luxury furniture and musical instruments.
The Thai government, with help from local groups and global partners, has set up tough measures, including more forest patrols, satellite tracking, and local conservation schemes to tackle the illegal timber trade.
These actions aim to protect the area’s plant and animal life, since Burmese rosewood supports forest habitats and helps prevent soil erosion.
Despite ongoing problems like smuggling across borders and strong demand, new tree planting projects and harsher penalties for illegal harvesting are giving hope. These steps help protect the species, keeping its cultural and ecological value for the future.
