BKK Post. February 24, 1998 LOGGING

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February 24, 1998
LOGGING /SALWEEN SCANDAL

They're all on the take, says panel chief 
State agencies linked to loggers' kickbacks 
Wut Nontarit Achara Ashayagachat

All authorities with responsibilities in Salween forests have taken 
bribes from loggers, the chairman of the House agriculture panel said 
yesterday.

Kickbacks were taken by army and police officers and officials of the 
forestry, customs and local administration departments, said Charoen 
Chankomol, a Chaiyaphum MP.

"Without co-operation from any of these officials, they couldn't take 
the logs," said the New Aspiration MP after the panel visited Salween 
national park in Mae Hong Son.

During the inspection, said Mr Charoen, shots were fired from the 
Burmese bank of the Salween at some members of the entourage who were in 
a boat on the river.

"I believe it was the work of illegal loggers. They want to show how 
influential they are," he said.

Senior officials from those agencies should be transferred out and a 
team of investigators should be removed, said Mr Charoen. "I don't 
believe senior officials, including the governor, have nothing to do 
with it or know nothing at all. All of them have been bribed.

"These senior officials sent their people to safeguard their benefits. 
These officials must be transferred for starters," he said.

The panel is scheduled to discuss the issue in a Thursday session to 
which the foreign minister and national police chief will be invited.

The Foreign Ministry was looking into the shooting and said full details 
were needed before further action could be considered. The river is not 
the border between Burma or Thailand, whose territory starts on their 
respective banks, it said.

Private craft do not need to identify themselves but official vessels 
have to hoist two flags. The boat that came under fire, the last and 
smallest in a convoy of five, flew no flags, the ministry added.

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