Unveiling intentions to reclaim Khao Kradong land, high-profile individuals and influential political groups foresee potential repercussions
The government is taking decisive action to resolve the long-standing Khao Kradong land dispute in Buriram Province, with the appointment of a new Director-General of the Department of Lands set to swiftly revoke land titles and deeds for the Khao Kradong area.
Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Deputy Interior Minister Dej-is Khaothong held a meeting on August 1 to review the findings of an investigation into the failure to revoke land rights for the Khao Kradong area. The investigation concluded that the decision by the Director-General of the Department of Lands and the committee under Section 61 of the Land Code may have been illegal.
The disputed land in Khao Kradong is connected to political business interests, with prominent political figures such as the Chidchob family from Buriram owning 12 plots totaling 288 rai in the area. There are strong indications that ministers involved in the decision may face charges for their actions.
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) asserts ownership of the Khao Kradong land, and the revocation process will follow the Land Department Regulation of 1973. SRT offers lease terms to current occupants of the Khao Kradong land.
The next steps in the Khao Kradong land dispute will be outlined in a major press conference by Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Deputy Interior Minister Dej-is Khaothong, scheduled for 2:00 PM. The conference will provide further details on the revocation process and the potential charges against ministers involved.
The Khao Kradong land dispute has raised concerns about the Interior Ministry's intervention possibly violating penal codes and affecting over 1,000 residents who legally acquired land deeds. However, the government's actions aim to address these issues and bring clarity to the situation.
In summary, the government is moving decisively to revoke land titles on confirmed state-owned land, holding accountable ministers involved in prior illegal decisions, and dealing with politically connected owners and competing party interests as part of resolving the long-standing dispute.
- The dispute over Khao Kradong land, entangled with political business interests, has prompted concerns about potential violation of penal codes and affects over 1,000 residents with legal land deeds.
- The government's decisive action involves not only the revocation of land titles on confirmed state-owned land but also holding accountable ministers involved in prior illegal decisions.
- In the upcoming press conference, Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Deputy Interior Minister Dej-is Khaothong will outline the next steps in the Khao Kradong land dispute, addressing issues of competitive party interests and the potential charges against ministers.
- Long-standing Khao Kradong land dispute resolution also includes dealing with competing party interests and politically connected owners, as part of a broader approach that includes policy-and-legislation and general-news implications.
