Nam Phrae Subdistrict Municipality in Hang Dong has teamed up with Hang Dong Police, Forest Protection Unit Chiang Mai 13 (San Pa Tong), Ob Khan National Park, and the subdistrict’s administrative office to set up checkpoints blocking off-road motorbikes from the forest at Mon Hin Khao, in Village No. 7, Ban Tha Mai Lung.
The joint operation follows complaints about groups of riders carving new trails through the community forest, running over young trees, and dumping trash, glass, and empty liquor bottles along the way. Officials also say the noise has become a nuisance and that the community’s water retention weir has taken damage from the traffic.
At the checkpoint, Hang Dong police officers are checking driving licenses, vehicle registration books, and testing riders for drugs. Meanwhile the Prevention and Mitigation of Public Disaster division has brought in drones to track down anyone who slips past and rides into the restricted area anyway.
Officials say checkpoints will stay in place going forward, aimed at:
Preventing further encroachment into the forest
Keeping the peace in the area
Reducing the impact on the local community
Thanks to Nam Phrae Subdistrict Municipality, Hang Dong, for the information and photos.
