“We have found that the operator of this mine might have committed legal offences at six areas,” Pichet Thongsrinoon, a senior DSI official, said yesterday as his team enforced a search warrant at the mine operated by Akara Resources Public Company Limited.

The team has been searching area in Phichi’s Thab Khlo district since Tuesday.

Pichet said evidence suggested the firm might have encroached on public roads, conducted mining activities in forestlands and illegitimately acquired land-right documents for some forest areas.

“If the firm believes it is innocent, it can produce evidence to back up its claim,” he said.