Thais Plan Logging Ban to Cut Flooding
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BANGKOK, Thailand — The Thai Cabinet has approved a nationwide ban on logging, which was blamed for aggravating November floods that killed more than 350 people, a Thai official said Wednesday.
Floods fed by heavy rain caused havoc in 12 southern provinces. In the worst-hit area, Nakhon Sri Thammarat, many people were killed when mud, logs and trees cascaded down barren hillsides and buried entire villlages.
The ban would end the 301 logging concessions awarded nationwide. It is expected to take effect when Prime Minister Chatichai Choonhavan and King Bhumibol Adulyadej sign it within two weeks.
Choonhavan says Thailand’s need for wood products can be met by imports.
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