NACC Chachoengsao discovers concealed sand weighing platform in national forest reserve
The Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission’s Chachoengsao Provincial Office (NACC Chachoengsao Office) has expanded its investigation of illegal sand washing operations within a national forest reserve and discovered a large weighing platform buried and concealed.
The NACC Chachoengsao Office is continuing its investigation into the illegal sand washing operations in a national forest reserve in Moo 3, Ban Ko Loi, Khlong Takrao Subdistrict, Tha Takiap District, Chachoengsao Province, following additional intelligence. Upon immediate inspection, they discovered a large, floating platform weighing scale, measuring 3 meters wide and 9 meters long, buried and concealed under the sand at the illegal sand washing site. This is considered crucial evidence that may link to the wrongdoing.
This operation stems from the NACC Chachoengsao Office's mission to survey heavy truck routes in the province, which revealed irregularities in Tha Takiap District, primarily in land allocated under the Agricultural Land Reform Act and national forest reserves. More than 176,000 cubic meters of sand were found excavated from an area under the Agricultural Land Reform Act in Khlong Takera Subdistrict. Pile of sand, traces of machinery use, and structures were also discovered in Moo 3, Ban Ko Loi, believed to be the sand washing site.
Subsequently, the NACC Chachoengsao Office collaborated with 20 related agencies and discovered changes in both areas. In particular, the illegal sand excavation area had been covered with saplings, while the sand washing site showed evidence of sand piles being moved, as well as signs of entry and exit of vehicles and heavy machinery, despite the installation of signs prohibiting entry.
Later, on July 1, 2026, Mr. Hiran Chaiyakanya, Director of the NACC Chachoengsao Office, along with the the Department of Forestry, the Internal Security Operations Command of Chachoengsao Province, Tha Takiap District, Khlong Takera Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, Tha Takiap Police Station, and the Royal Irrigation Department, conducted an on-site inspection based on additional information.
They discovered a floating platform weighing platform, 3 meters wide and 9 meters long, with unique markings, buried and hidden under the sand and covered with a tarpaulin. This is considered crucial evidence reflecting a systematic attempt to conceal the wrongdoing. Following the inspection, the team of officials jointly prepared an inspection report, collected evidence, and handed it over to the investigating officers at Tha Takiap Police Station.
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