On Thursday the Director of National Parks, Samak Donnapee, revealed that he had received the transfer request.
He said that the park chief, Kitipat Tharapiban, 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 Kaew 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. At the end of July he reported receiving death threats.
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].”
Mr Cheewapap, too, requested a transfer out of Sirinart after coming under pressure to accept bribes, along with threats if he did not. 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.