ZIPLINE FACES DAMAGE CLAIM

>> Authorities plan to dismantle a canopy adventure zipline facing encroachment allegations on a forest reserve in Rayong, says the Royal Forest Department.

The zipline company, a joint venture between a Thai national, an American and a Russian, was notified that the ziplines must be removed by April 20.

However, the forest officials are set to take down the zipline before that deadline to stop the company from continuing to run its business, said Atthapol Charoenchansa, director of the forest protection and bushfire control office.

The director said authorities plan to assess the damage the ziplines have done to the trees and surrounding environment, and file for damages accordingly.

Under the Forest Reserve Act, any offence involving the destruction of the natural environment is punishable by a jail term of up to 20 years and a fine of up to two million baht.

Mr Atthapol said it could be hard to dismantle the zipline course’s cables, stretching over 1.6 kilometres in length over the treetops of Khao Yai Da. The site straddles a national reserve and community forest, also a watershed area.

Mr Atthapol said the authorities were trying to determine how to remove the cables without damaging the trees, while ensuring the dismantling crew stays safe perched among the tall trees.

He added a group of residents have urged the department to review the decision to dismantle the course, saying the zipline serves as a big boost to the local economy.

Cheewaparb Cheewatham, head of the Payakaprai Park rangers, said the zipline company was operating the zipline company illegally after its request to open the business, submitted to the Rayong Provincial Administration Organisation (RPAO), was rejected by the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry in 2011.

The company was not available for comment yesterday.

Last year, the zipline company issued a petition to the government’s complaint centre, claiming it had been persuaded to open the 20 million baht business by a RPAO member. The company says they have helped generate jobs for locals.