Akara gold mining company was today summoned by the Department of Special Investigation to acknowledge charges of illegal encroachment of forest land and highway land in two districts of the northern provinces of Phetchabun and Phichit.

DSI deputy spokesman Pol Maj Woranan Srilum said today that representatives of Australian-controlled Akara Resources Company were invited to the DSI to acknowledge the encroachment charges in violation of the Forest Act and the Highways Act.

The company operated the Chatree gold mine, the country’s largest goldmine in  Phichit and  Phetchabun provinces.    It was accused of illegally occupying forest land and land of the Highways Department in Tambo Khao Jed Look of Tap Khlor district of Phichit and Tambon Thai Dong, Wang Pong district of Phetchabun.

Pol Maj Woranan said the company would be given the opportunity to present evidence to prove against the land encroachment charges after which the DSI would consider all the relevant evidence to determine how to proceed with the case.

Akara gold mine was closed down by the Thai government in late 2016 following prolonged conflict with local people accusing the company of discharging toxic wastes that ruin the environment and endanger their health.  The company has denied the charge.