Land Department Urged to Comply with Court Decision
In a long-standing dispute over the Khao Kradong land, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has filed a new lawsuit to overturn a decision made by the Department of Land (DoL). The land, spanning approximately 5,000 rai, has been subdivided and is currently occupied or claimed by multiple parties, including local authorities, private individuals, and figures linked to the Bhumjaithai Party.
The SRT claims the land was granted to them by King Rama V, and in 2021, the Supreme Administrative Court ruled in favour of the SRT, ordering the DoL to revoke the deeds it had issued and return the land to the state. However, the revocation process was halted pending a new ruling, a decision that has been criticised by caretaker minister, Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai.
Mr. Phumtham, currently the caretaker interior minister, believes the land in question is state land and questioned the DoL's decision to suspend the revocation of title certificates. He stated that the Supreme Administrative Court has already ruled on the matter and those who claim otherwise must prove the legitimacy of their claims, which he doubts they can.
The DoL, in its defence, cited a ruling by the Central Administrative Court in 2023 that ordered the DoL to set up a committee to review the deeds of the 995 land plots claimed by the SRT. The committee admitted that the ownership of the land was unclear, but said the DoL's deeds were legally valid and recommended against revocation. The DoL accepted the findings and closed the case.
The SRT, however, is not backing down. On March 14 this year, they filed a fresh complaint against the DoL, and the department has until Oct 10 to submit its testimony. The case is currently under review.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister and Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul rejected accusations of interference, insisting he isn't involved in the case. The opposition party, however, is monitoring the situation. PP deputy leader Pakornwut Udompipatsakul stated that they are monitoring the situation but can't grill the government in parliament as the new cabinet has yet to be sworn in.
As the legal battle continues, the Khao Kradong land dispute remains a contentious issue, with the SRT asserting its rightful ownership and others claiming their own. The outcome of this dispute could have significant implications for the parties involved and the future of land disputes in Thailand.
