The Senate Committee on Environment has initiated an investigation into the alleged illegal occupation of national forests in Chachoengsao’s Tha Takiap district.

The probe centers on a 600-rai (96-hectare) durian plantation suspected to be backed by Chinese investors.

Committee chairman Chewapap Chewatham stated on Wednesday that the investigation followed complaints from local villagers who reported the encroachment to the Chachoengsao Natural Resources and Environment Office.

They alleged that the plantation was funded by foreign investors using Thai nominees to acquire the land.

An inspection by the Royal Forest Department confirmed that the plantation was illegally established within the Kwai Rabom and Siyad forests, violating Articles 14 and 54 of the 1941 Forest Act.

However, parts of the plantation were found on land that had been allocated for local farmers under a government scheme.

In response, authorities have sealed off the plantation and posted warnings to prevent further activity.

The investigation also revealed that the plantation is registered under a China-based company, which operates durian farms spanning 5,335 rai in Thailand and 339 rai in Malaysia.

During a meeting on Wednesday, Chewapap urged officials from the Royal Forest Department and the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry to take legal action against all individuals involved, including foreign investors and their Thai representatives.

The committee has scheduled another session to review legal measures and discuss potential actions, including the removal of illegally planted durian trees.

Officers from Tha Takiap Police Station are expected to provide further input in the next meeting as authorities consider strategies to prevent similar encroachments in the future.