Politics
Thai MP permanently banned from politics for using forest reserve land for farm

A former MP of Thailand’s Palang Pracharath is now permanently banned from Thai politics for using forest reserve land in Ratchaburi province for her farm. The issues around the MP, Pareena Kraikupt, using land began to surface in 2019. The Royal Forest Department then investigated the land, and concluded that Pareena’s poultry farm encroached on it. The department asked the National Anti-Corruption Commission to take action against her.
Thailand’s Supreme Court determined the ruling for the permanent ban on Thursday, although the court had already suspended the MP from all activities last year. Now, Pareena cannot run for political office at any level, national or local. The court said she is also banned from voting in any election for 10 years. A by-election must be held for her House seat in constituency 3 in Ratchaburi within 45 days.
Pareena did not attend the court on Thursday, and her lawyer represented her.
Pareena also risks criminal charges by the Natural Resources and Environmental Suppression Division. Pareena’s poultry farm was determined encroaching on forest reserves, and also on land intended for use by landless farmers. The NACC found Pareena guilty of encroaching on 113.8 hectares of land in total.
Pareena reportedly claimed on her Facebook page that the land had been bought from other farmers. She claimed that the transaction, and the farm’s operation and taxation, were all legal. The court’s Criminal Division for Political Office Holders found Pareena guilty of severe ethical misconduct.
SOURCE: Bangkok Post | Thai PBS World
Get more from The Thaiger
Join the conversation and have your say on Thailand news published on The Thaiger.
Thaiger Talk is our new Thaiger Community where you can join the discussion on everything happening in Thailand right now.
Please note that articles are not posted to the forum instantly and can take up to 20 min before being visible. Click for more information and the Thaiger Talk Guidelines.
- Best of3 days ago
Siam Paragon wins the Best Luxury Shopping Mall 2022 Award
- Education1 day ago
Why you should study Thai to explore Thailand
- Events2 days ago
“Eat Out with Marriott Bonvoy”: enjoy food discounts all the way
- Bangkok3 days ago
Thai woman fined 54,000 baht at airport after entering country with designer brands
- Tourism4 days ago
Thailand tourism authorities expect 1 million arrivals per month starting June
- 360 Reviews3 days ago
The best private villas to rent in Bangkok for 2022
- Coronavirus (Covid-19)3 days ago
Changes to Thailand’s Covid-19 restrictions to take effect June 1
- Coronavirus (Covid-19)3 days ago
Deadline to apply for “Covid” visa extension extended by 2 months
Recent comments: