Bangkok Post: The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry is deeply concerned about widespread forest encroachment in the South, where land is being cleared for lucrative cultivation of oil palm and rubber. Ministry spokesman Pichet Wongthepanukroh said at least 700 rai of forest had been heavily encroached upon by influential figures and local villagers in the southern provinces, particularly Phangnga, Surat Thani and Ranong. ”We found that both forest and mangrove areas have been …