On September 18 the Director of National Parks, Samak Donnapee, revealed that he had received the transfer request from park chief Kitipat Tharapiban, who told his boss that he fears for his life
He said that Mr Kitipat had cited stress from constant threats by “investors” and angry people who had been the targets of demolition of illegal construction of restaurants and bars at Nai Thon, Nai Yang and Sai Keaw beaches.
Mr Kitipat said he had had to change his cell phone number many times and that gunmen had been seen in the park area “trying to shoot” him.
Mr Samak said, “I understand the pressure Mr Kitipat is facing right now. He is sleeping in a bullet-proof room that Cheewapap [Cheewatam, his predecessor] built when he was the park chief.
“I have discussed his transfer request with Nitiphon Chotiban [Director General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation], who will decide whether or not to grant it.
“However, seven or eight park chiefs have also requested transfers so Mr Kitipat can decide where he want to go [if his request is granted].”
On Monday (September 22), however, during a visit to Sirinart, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Gen Dapong Ratanasuwan had a private 10-minute chat with Mr Kitipat, after which Mr Samak confirmed that the park chief had withdrawn his transfer request.
Mr Kitipat would comment only briefly. He said that after talking with Gen Dapong he felt more confident and was “willing to stay and fight for Phuket”.
Asked about the threats to his life, he said that there had been no direct threats but refused to give any more detail.
Mr Cheewapap, too, requested a transfer out of Sirinart after coming under pressure to accept bribes, along with threats if he did not. The request was granted and he is now in charge of the Royal Forestry Department’s Crime Suppression Division.
Mr Kitipat took over from him in May this year, shortly before the military coup.