A Thai logging company is seeking to become the first company to import teak from Burma since a ban was implemented 11 years ago.
Polpana Co is one of four Thai logging companies that won logging concessions from Burma. It struck a deal with Myanmar Timber Enterprise to acquire 1,600 tonnes of teak more than a decade ago – but the timber has been stuck near the border ever since.
Now an advisory team to Thailand’s natural resources and environment minister is seeking permission for the company to import the teak through Mae Hong Son province.
It does not believe the import route will encourage illegal logging as it passes through state agency sites rather than the forest.
