BANGKOK, 25 September 2011 (NNT) – The Director-General of the Department of Thailand National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has ruled out political involvement in the recent reshuffle of officials.

Newly appointed chief of the National Parks Department Damrong Pidet confirmed that the reshuffle was actually aimed at putting the right people on the right jobs, not a move to eliminate anyone’s enemies or promote anyone’s cronies as some people may understand.

Mr Damrong stressed that what the public should pay most attention to was not the transfer but rampant deforestation. He disclosed that illegal wood loggers were growing in number and becoming influential, putting rare species, particularly Siamese Rosewood under threat.

The new national park department chief also admitted that some officials in the department conspired with these people, adding that even related agencies were reluctant to help solve the problem.

Mr Damrong said the most efficient officials had been put in charge of three major national parks where rare species are at risk.

Read more: NNT