Thai land dispute: Minister defends decision against court ruling

Deputy Interior Minister Songsak Thongsri defended a contentious decision by a land committee not to revoke land title documents for plots in Buriram’s Khao Kradong area. This decision comes despite a 2021 Supreme Court ruling that determined the land in question belongs to the State Railway of Thailand (SRT).

A dispute has arisen over 5,083 rai of land in Mueang district, with the SRT aiming to reclaim territory it asserts was wrongly documented by the Department of Land (DoL). The SRT has accused the DoL of issuing land titles to individuals unlawfully occupying the land.

The Central Administrative Court had previously sided with the SRT, instructing the DoL to collaborate with the rail agency to clearly define the boundaries of Khao Kradong.

In response, the DoL established a committee under Section 61 of the Land Code to assess the situation. The committee recently decided unanimously not to revoke the land title documents, a resolution acknowledged by the DoL’s director-general. This decision has sparked debate and concern over whether an administrative order can supersede a Supreme Court ruling, said Songsak.

“I am not taking sides and believe there are details the public and the SRT are unaware of.”

The minister emphasised the need for a thorough examination of the Supreme Court’s ruling to ascertain whether it applies universally or only to the specific parties involved. He maintained that the SRT has the right to contest the DoL’s decision but currently lacks the compelling evidence required to persuade the land committee to annul the land titles.

He also addressed allegations of committee members being influenced by a notable figure in Buri Ram, asserting that the committee was appointed according to regulations, and any legal breaches would lead to accountability.

Land dispute

Reports indicate that among the land documents under review, 12 title deeds covering 179 rai are linked to the Chidchob family. This prominent political clan owns several businesses on the land, including the Buriram International Circuit and a 32,600-seat football stadium, reported Bangkok Post.

Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong said he did not think the land committee’s decision could overrule the Supreme Court’s ruling and highlighted that the SRT must pursue further actions.

The contention revolves around a map presented by the SRT to the Supreme Court, drawn in 1996 following a resolution to address land encroachment issues raised by the Assembly of the Poor.

The map differs from one attached to a 1921 royal decree concerning land purchases for the northeastern rail system, leading the committee to decide against revoking the DoL-issued land titles.