Phuket golf course, prawn farm accused of encroachment

A golf course and prawn farm are among the businesses that authorities are targeting for encroachment of more than 2,000 rai of mangrove forests in Phuket province.

Marine and coastal-resources officials and soldiers began inspections of the 2,400-rai in encroachments on Sunday, planning to wrap up their survey in Muang Phuket and Thalang districts Tuesday.

Among the targeted areas are parts of the Mission Hills Golf Resort and 25 prawn ponds operated by Gold Ranger the Third Co in the island province.

Part of the golf course allegedly usurped part of the Len Klong Para mangrove forest, while some prawn ponds are believed to be in the Len Klong Tha Rua mangrove forest.

Capt Sathaporn Wajarat, deputy director of internal security operations in Phuket, said on Monday that some party had reclaimed land in the mangrove forest before selling the plot to the golf course developer.

Source. Bankokpost