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Kanchanaburi Governor warns against illegal gold ore purchases

Kanchanaburi Governor warns against illegal gold ore purchases

Khaosod•Society•49m ago

Reader Briefing

The Governor of Kanchanaburi has issued a formal notice ordering businesses to stop purchasing gold ore suspected of being illegally obtained from forest areas.

  • •Governor Waristha Sanguansermsri issued a provincial announcement on July 15, 2026, to stop the purchase of illegal gold ore.
  • •Illegal gold mining has been detected in the Pilok Khi area of Thong Pha Phum National Park.
  • •Violators face penalties under the Minerals Act 2017 and the Anti-Money Laundering Act 1999.
  • •Joint operations since November 2024 have targeted illegal mining gangs consisting mostly of Karen and Burmese individuals.

Overview

  • •Governor Waristha Sanguansermsri signed a Kanchanaburi Provincial announcement on July 15, 2026, requesting businesses to stop buying gold ore believed to be from illegal activities.
  • •Thong Pha Phum National Park reported that individuals have been trespassing in the Pilok Khi forest area, Moo 4, Pilok Subdistrict, Thong Pha Phum District, to mine gold ore.
  • •Rising gold prices have attracted investors to buy illegal gold ore and sell it to gold shops within Kanchanaburi Province.
  • •Illegal mining has destroyed over 27 rai of forest in a Watershed Class 1A area, with natural resource damages estimated at over 1,500,000 Baht.
  • •Purchasing or selling minerals without a permit from the Director-General of the Department of Primary Industries and Mines violates Section 99 of the Minerals Act 2017.
  • •Trading in natural resources obtained through illicit means is a predicate offense under Section 3 (15) of the Anti-Money Laundering Act 1999.
  • •Thong Pha Phum National Park, Khao Laem National Park, and other security forces have conducted arrests of illegal miners since November 2024.
  • •The public is encouraged to report illegal gold sales to the Protected Areas Regional Office 3 (Ban Pong) or via the 191 emergency hotline.

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Key Entities

Person

Waristha Sanguansermsri(วริษฐา สงวนเสริมศรี)
The Governor of Kanchanaburi Province who issued the warning against buying illegal gold ore.
Yutthaphong Damsrisuk(ยุทธพงค์ ดำศรีสุข)
The Head of Thong Pha Phum National Park.

Place

Kanchanaburi Province(จังหวัดกาญจนบุรี)ℹ️
The province where illegal gold mining and sales are occurring.
Pilok Khi Forest(ป่าปิล๊อกคี่)
The specific forest area in Thong Pha Phum National Park where illegal mining occurs.

Organization

Thong Pha Phum National Park(อุทยานแห่งชาติทองผาภูมิ)ℹ️
The national park where illegal gold mining has been detected in the Pilok Khi forest area.
Khao Laem National Park(อุทยานแห่งชาติเขาแหลม)ℹ️
One of the agencies involved in joint operations to arrest illegal gold miners.
Lat Ya Special Task Force, Surasi Force(หน่วยเฉพาะกิจลาดหญ้า กองกำลังสุรสีห์)
A military unit involved in the arrest of illegal gold mining operations.
Protected Areas Regional Office 3 (Ban Pong)(สำนักบริหารพื้นที่อนุรักษ์ที่ 3 (บ้านโป้ง))
The agency designated to receive reports regarding the sale of illegal gold.
Department of Primary Industries and Mines(กรมอุตสาหกรรมพื้นฐานและการเหมืองแร่)
The government body whose Director-General must issue licenses for mineral trade.

Law

Minerals Act 2017(พระราชบัญญัติแร่ พ.ศ.2560)
The law governing the licensing of mineral purchase, sale, possession, and transport.
Anti-Money Laundering Act 1999(พระราชบัญญัติป้องกันและปราบปรามการฟอกเงิน พ.ศ.2542)
The law under which the trade of illicit natural resources is a predicate offense.