Discussions on the table following the annulment of agreed actions
The Khao Kradong land dispute, centred around over 5,000 rai (approximately 2,003 acres) of land in Buriram province, is gaining momentum as the Thai government moves forward with the Supreme Court's ruling that the land belongs to the State Railway of Thailand (SRT).
The Ministry of the Interior has begun the process of revoking land title deeds, affecting nearly 1,000 families, including private individuals and the politically influential Chidchob family. This decision has sparked strong local opposition, with residents and business leaders voicing concerns about potential economic and social damage, including job losses and disruptions to international sporting events.
The Department of Lands and Interior Ministry are leading the legal and administrative actions, with plans for a new Director-General of the Department of Lands to expedite revocations and enforcement. However, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has not been directly involved in the ongoing investigation and enforcement actions, according to the latest reports.
The DSI, however, has stepped up its probe into the Khao Kradong land controversy. The agency has requested documents from four key agencies, including the SRT, Department of Lands, Buri Ram Provincial Land Office, and Damrongtham Centre. The DSI is investigating potential criminal offenses related to environmental and land law violations, and plans to conduct on-site inspections in coordination with the SRT.
In a significant development, the central portions of the disputed land in Khao Kradong have been identified as within state railway boundaries and can be immediately reclaimed. The SRT is preparing to negotiate with residents and land users in the area, with lease options being offered to minimise displacement. If negotiations fail, the SRT may pursue legal action.
The deed revocation process is awaiting formal instruction from the new DoL director-general, who is expected to be Mr. Chettha Mosikrat, if approved as the new DoL director-general by Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Mr. Chettha chairs the investigative committee on the Khao Kradong land dispute and is expected to lead efforts to resolve the controversy if he takes up the position.
The Ministry of Interior has cited Section 61, Paragraph 8 of the Land Code as the legal basis for the cancellation of the deeds. The DSI has issued a 15-day deadline for the requested agencies to provide relevant documents.
As the situation unfolds, the DSI's role in the investigation is expected to become clearer, and further updates will be provided as information becomes available.
The business community in Buriram is expressing concerns about potential financial implications due to the Khao Kradong land dispute, given the possibility of job losses and disruptions to international sporting events. The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is conducting a thorough investigation into potential criminal offenses in relation to the land dispute, focusing on environmental and land law violations.
