Anti-corruption body probes Khao Kradong land dispute
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has reported ongoing progress in its investigation into the land dispute between the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and the Department of Lands (DoL) involving approximately 5,000 rai in Buriram. However, the completion date for the investigation remains uncertain.
Mongkol Srisawang, director of investigations for environment and natural resource-related cases at the NACC, stated that the review of evidence submitted by the disputing parties is still underway. This evidence includes recent ownership proofs, historical ownership documents, and statements from witnesses.
Mongkol noted that the NACC has discovered several irregularities in the documents from both the SRT and DoL. Investigators are assessing whether these irregularities result from intentional manipulation by officials involved in the dispute. If deemed deliberate, these officials could face charges of dereliction of duty, a criminal offence.
The dispute involves 900 land title deeds, 12 of which are reportedly linked to the Chidchob family. Newin Chidchob, the family’s patriarch, is thought to be the unofficial leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
The SRT argues that the plots in question, located in Khao Kradong and spanning roughly 5,083 rai, are its property, a claim supported by a Supreme Court ruling.
Consequently, Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit insists that the DoL must cancel the titles and transfer the plots to the SRT. Failure to comply could result in SRT officials facing dereliction of duty charges.
Conversely, the DoL, under the Interior Ministry, refuses to comply, with Deputy Interior Minister Songsak Thongsri asserting the SRT’s claim is incorrect. He claims that over 400 villagers in the subdistricts of Isaan and Samet in Mueang district possess land title deeds confirming their ownership.
Deputy Prime Minister Anutin has urged all parties involved to await the decision of the Supreme Administrative Court on the issue, reported Bangkok Post.
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