General
Saraburi Deputy Governor Addresses Forest Encroachment at Wat Pa Chana Jai
The Deputy Governor of Saraburi province has stated he was unaware of forest encroachment by Wat Pa Chana Jai, emphasizing that local authorities rely on public reports to identify such issues.
According to a report by Matichon Online on August 13, 2026, the Deputy Governor of Saraburi province addressed allegations regarding Wat Pa Chana Jai, a local temple accused of encroaching on protected forest land. The official stated that provincial authorities were previously unaware of the situation and maintained that the provincial administration has not been negligent in its oversight duties.
In his statement, the Deputy Governor suggested that the responsibility for monitoring and reporting such land use violations often falls upon local residents and the media. He indicated that the provincial office relies on these external reports to initiate investigations into potential illegal land encroachment.
For residents and visitors, this situation highlights the ongoing complexities surrounding land rights and temple construction in rural areas of Thailand. While the temple remains a site of interest, the legal status of its grounds is currently under scrutiny. It remains to be confirmed whether a formal investigation will be launched by the Department of Forestry or other relevant land management authorities to determine the extent of the encroachment and what, if any, corrective actions will be taken. Travelers visiting the region should be aware that land disputes involving religious sites can occasionally lead to restricted access or changes in local operations.