Law
Authorities Crack Down on Illegal Logging Ring in Uttaradit
Thai officials have arrested three individuals involved in an illegal logging operation within a protected forest area in Uttaradit province.
On August 28, 2026, officials from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, alongside the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division and the Royal Forest Department, announced the results of a recent operation against illegal logging. According to Khaosod Online, the raid took place at 1:30 AM on August 27 in the Huai Mai Daeng forest, located within the Nam Pat National Reserved Forest in Ban Khok district, Uttaradit.
Authorities successfully apprehended three suspects at the scene. During the operation, officials seized a significant quantity of rosewood logs, as well as heavy machinery, including a crane-equipped truck and a tractor used in the illicit activity. While the operation successfully disrupted the logging ring, officials noted that the financiers behind the operation, described as a 'grey Chinese' group, managed to evade capture.
For residents and travelers, this incident highlights ongoing efforts by the Thai government to protect national forest resources from exploitation. While the immediate threat in the Huai Mai Daeng area has been addressed, the investigation remains active. It is yet to be confirmed how the financiers managed to escape and whether further arrests will follow as authorities continue to track the network behind this illegal logging operation.