Actor in hot water over filming in prohibited area

The National Park Department is seeking police action against a wellknown actor and TV documentary host for allegedly filmed his programme in a protected national forest without permission and for violating officials' orders.

Kanjana Nittaya, chief of Phu Khieu wildlife sanctuary in Chaiyaphum's Konsarn district said that she had filed the complaint with police on July 20 against Jessdaporn Pholdee, host of Navigator programme, which is aired on Channel 3.

The actor and the crew had sought permission to film in the sanctuary and her office had permitted them to film in some parts of the sanctuary, which are open to the public and for filming."They were notified that filming was not allowed in other areas, as these are considered sensitive," Kanjana said.

She identified the prohibited area as "Phu Khing."

However, the actor and the crew entered and filmed in Phu Khing, which is in Kasetsomboon district of Chaiyaphum. This area is closed to the public and for activities under a 1992 wildlife reservation and protection Act.

"Khun Jessadaporn and the team could not say they did not know because they had already been informed of the prohibition," she said.

Her office thus decided to seek police action. "If the programme about Phu Khing is aired, all officials of the Phu Khieu wildlife sanctuary and the National Park director general would face serious disciplinary punishment," she said.

Many television programmes have been filmed inside the sanctuary in the past, with their presenters and crew informed of the prohibited areas. There have no violations like Khun Jessadaporn's case, she said.

Her office has already informed the actor's team that the programme filmed inside the prohibited sites cannot be aired. The team has promised to adjust the programme accordingly.

Meanwhile Pol Lt Col Sarayuth Daojang of Kasetsomboon said that he was gathering evidence and information concerning the case and this is expected to be complete by the end of this month.

Police will then summon Jessadaporn to acknowledge the allegations.