CHIANG RAI: The Royal Forest Department has initiated an investigation into the land use practices of the Rai Chern Tawan International Vipassana Center, founded by the prominent monk Phra V. Vajiramedhi, following allegations of unauthorized land occupation within a national forest reserve. The inquiry aims to determine whether the center’s land usage exceeds the permissions granted by the department, with potential penalties including fines, imprisonment, and land reclamation.
According to Thai News Agency, the Director-General of the Royal Forest Department, Mr. Surachai Achalaboon, announced plans to dispatch officials from the Forest Resource Management Office 2 in Chiang Rai to inspect the center’s land use. The center, situated in the Huai Sak Subdistrict of Mueang Chiang Rai District, has been criticized for allegedly occupying 190 rai of land, surpassing the initially approved area. The Vimuttayalai Foundation, affiliated with the center, had requested permission for approximately 11 rai of land, wh
ile the National Office of Buddhism sought approval for about 30 rai.
The investigation will employ GPS technology to verify the center’s land usage, with results expected promptly. Should the inquiry reveal unauthorized expansion, it will be classified as encroachment under the National Reserved Forest Act. This legislation prohibits unauthorized occupation or activities that degrade forest areas, with penalties ranging from one to 20 years of imprisonment and fines between 20,000 to 200,000 baht. Violations involving areas exceeding 25 rai carry harsher penalties, including imprisonment from four to 20 years and fines from 200,000 to 2,000,000 baht, alongside mandatory land reclamation.
The investigation was prompted by social media controversy after images surfaced of Phra Maha Vuthichai Wachiramethi, also known as Phra V. Wachiramethi, delivering a sermon referencing The Icon Group Company Limited. This incident sparked public debate about potential promotional activities encouraging investment, which m
ay have led to numerous individuals being affected.