Processed wood at Kanchanuburi temple inspected

KANCHABURI, Jan 9 (TNA) - The special task force again examined the rest of suspected illegal processed wood at the Mettatham Potiyan temple in Kanchaburi province after 70 per cent of the large quantity of wood was seized during a raid last month. The seizure of these wood blocks and planks were later revoked after the temple submitted documents to prove the origin of the wood. Chaiwat Limlikhitaksorn, chief of the Phraya Sua task force under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, national park officials, those from relevant agencies examined the rest 30 per cent of the processed wood found at the temple. A temple administrator said the temple’s disciples bought the wood from many areas and donate it to the temple for use. The temple has documents to show that it obtained the wood legally. Mr Chaiwat said if any illegal wood is found, the temple will face legal action. However, if the submitted document can prove that the temple receives the wood legally, the seized wood will be returned to the temple. The inspection of the documents will take about two weeks as some documents could overlap with those, submitted earlier. Meanwhile, he ensured fairness in the investigation for the temple. Concerning the number of tourists, which has dropped after the wood inspection, he said people can still travel to make merit at the temple as usual. (TNA)