Transport
Department of National Parks Clarifies Stance on Tactical Road Project
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has denied opposing a military road project near the Chong Sa-Ngam border pass.
According to a report by Matichon Online on September 17, 2026, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has addressed concerns regarding the construction of a tactical road at Hill 450 near the Chong Sa-Ngam border pass. The Protected Areas Regional Office 9 (Ubon Ratchathani) clarified that the department has never formally opposed the military's initiative to build this route.
Officials emphasized that the project involves a balance between national sovereignty and the protection of forest resources. The DNP maintains that it is working in coordination with relevant agencies to ensure that infrastructure development aligns with environmental conservation mandates.
For travelers and residents in the area, this clarification suggests that the project is moving forward under a framework of inter-agency cooperation rather than conflict. While the DNP has signaled its support for the necessity of the road in terms of national security, specific details regarding the construction timeline, potential environmental mitigation measures, and any temporary access restrictions for the public near the Chong Sa-Ngam area remain to be confirmed. Stakeholders are advised to monitor official announcements from the military and the DNP for updates on how this infrastructure project might impact local transit or tourism activities in the vicinity of the border pass.