Law
Authorities Move to Clear 600 Rai of Illegal Durian Orchards in Trat
Officials in Trat province are preparing to clear 600 rai of durian orchards encroaching on the Huai Raeng reservoir, with four suspects already in custody.
According to a report by Matichon Online on August 21, 2026, authorities in Trat province have initiated enforcement actions against illegal durian cultivation encroaching on the Huai Raeng reservoir area. Officials have identified approximately 600 rai of land being used for unauthorized farming.
As part of the ongoing operation, law enforcement has arrested four suspects linked to the encroachment. Furthermore, the Deputy Governor of Trat has issued a stern warning to local officials, stating that any civil servants found to be negligent or complicit in allowing this encroachment to occur will face legal action under Section 157 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to malfeasance in office.
For residents and visitors, this development highlights the provincial government's commitment to protecting public water resources and environmental conservation areas. While the immediate clearing of the land is underway, the broader investigation into how such extensive encroachment was permitted to persist remains ongoing. It is yet to be confirmed how the clearing process will affect local traffic or access to the reservoir area, and whether further arrests will follow as the investigation into administrative negligence proceeds.