The tourists who drove their cars onto the site of a former Death Railway station in Kanchanaburi will be fined 10,000 baht each and could face other legal action, the head of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation said on Tuesday.
Atthapol Charoenchansa made the comment after images circulating on social media showed a group of people driving vehicles into the Neekey railway station site within Khao Laem National Park in Sangkhla Buri district. The site is considered both environmentally sensitive and off-limits to the public.
At least eight cars, including 4x4s, and their passengers were seen in the pictures driving on the exposed bed of the Vajiralongkorn Dam reservoir. They caused damage to the area where the remnants of the Neekey railway station are preserved.
Parts of the “forgotten station”, built by prisoners of the Japanese during World War II, emerged earlier this year when the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand diverted water from the reservoir to enable maintenance work.
“I have ordered the chief of Khao Laem National Park to strictly enforce all relevant regulations and laws,” Mr Atthapol said. “The offenders will face an administrative fine of up to 10,000 baht, along with any additional charges applicable under the law.
“I have also issued a clear directive prohibiting any recurrence of this type of behaviour. Anyone found committing similar offences in the future could face the maximum penalties, including imprisonment and fines. National parks nationwide have been instructed to strengthen monitoring measures to prevent similar incidents.”
Mr Atthapol said that protected forest areas hold significant ecological and historical value. Unauthorised vehicle access constitutes a clear violation of department regulations, and can also disturb wildlife and damage natural resources.
After learning of the incident at the Death Railway site, park officials issued a public notice requesting those involved to come forward.
Mr Atthapol said he was informed that the people involved have shown an initial willingness to accept responsibility and have requested a meeting with officials to clarify what happened.
He has instructed officials to handle the case transparently and fairly in accordance with legal procedures, setting a standard for the protection of conservation areas across the country.
Mr Atthapol also urged members of the public and tourists to strictly comply with national park regulations, warning that any violations would be met with immediate and decisive legal action.
