Minister advocates for allotment of land for the economically disadvantaged
In a bid to prevent the loss of forest land for small-scale farmers and address concerns about potential acquisitions by wealthy investors, the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry in Thailand is working diligently to implement a policy framework. Recently appointed Minister Atthakorn Sirilathayakorn, who has been promoted to his position, is continuing the policy initiated by his predecessor, Thamanat Prompow.
The focus of Minister Atthakorn will be on achieving practical outcomes within the remaining 18 months of the government's term. A key policy in this framework is the transformation of Sor Por Kor 4-01 land documents into full agricultural titles for poor farmers. This transformation would give farmers the legal right to sell their land, increasing its value and offering economic opportunities.
However, this change raises several concerns and implications. Sor Por Kor 4-01 is a type of possessory land document issued by the Thai government, which grants limited rights to use the land but does not confer full ownership. With full titles, farmers would gain stronger legal ownership, but this could potentially make them targets of land grabs or forced sales to wealthier interests.
If converted into full agricultural titles, farmers would have full rights over the land, including the ability to sell, lease, or use it as collateral for loans. They would also be able to obtain building permits legally and register other property rights. This could increase land value and economic opportunities, but it also brings risks of dispossession, increased financial burdens, and social inequalities without proper safeguards and support systems.
Under existing regulations, Sor Por Kor land cannot be sold or transferred. Minister Atthakorn has urged the Agricultural Land Reform Office to expedite the process of transforming land documents, aiming to reduce farming costs and increase yields. The ministry also plans to develop new water sources as part of the economic stimulus package to support farming activity and sustain livelihoods.
Critics argue that the policy risks enabling wealthy investors to acquire forest land, potentially leading to land concentration, displacement, and weakening of traditional land rights and community structures. The ministry must address these concerns promptly to ensure landholders benefit from the transformation while minimising negative impacts on rural communities and the environment.
In summary, while converting Sor Por Kor 4-01 land documents into full agricultural titles can empower poor farmers by granting stronger land ownership and economic benefits, it also poses significant risks without proper safeguards and support systems. The ministry's actions are in line with the government's economic stimulus package to support farming, and the aim is to support farming activity and sustain livelihoods in a responsible and equitable manner.
[1] For more information on Sor Por Kor 4-01 titles and the implications of their conversion, please refer to the following resources: - [Thai Land Titles Explained](https://www.thaifreedomhouse.org/resources/thai-land-titles-explained/) - [Land Rights and the Poor in Thailand](https://www.rightsandresources.org/thailand/land-rights-and-the-poor-in-thailand/)
- The forthcoming policy-and-legislation changes regarding the transformation of Sor Por Kor 4-01 land documents into full agricultural titles is a significant piece of politics, as it has implications for rural communities and the environment.
- The transformation of Sor Por Kor 4-01 land documents is a relevant topic under general-news, as it involves the rebalancing of land ownership rights and the potential risks of land grabs and forced sales to wealthier interests.
