Family arrested after illegal land occupation in Sattahip
Royal Thai Police (RTP) and naval forces in Sattahip apprehended a family for defying a court order by illegally occupying private land. The family resisted arrest, with one member attempting to flee on horseback, but eventually surrendered after negotiations yesterday, February 3 at 2.10pm.
Police Colonel Thanaphon Klinkesaorn, along with Deputy Police Colonel Suwichak Ruennuamdee and an investigative team, arrived at a shelter in Moo 8, Bang Sare, Sattahip district, Chon Buri province. They were acting on a warrant for 42 year old Phonphong, 41 year good Rahat, and a 16 year old girl referred to as A for failing to comply with a judgement from the Pattaya provincial court.
RTP officers attempted to arrest the family, who were behind a wooden fence at the shelter, but faced verbal abuse. Previously, they had been arrested under a separate warrant and had threatened officers with a chainsaw before being released on bail. The family continued to defy the court order by occupying the land, claiming adverse possession.
Police negotiated with the family for over an hour, fearing potential armed resistance and lacking sufficient police personnel. Reinforcements were requested from the Sattahip Naval Base, led by Naval Lieutenant Sophon Kowit-Isriya with over 15 armed soldiers, equipped with guns and shields, to contain the situation.
During the operation, Phonphong attempted an escape on a horse but was quickly surrounded by officers. After further negotiations, the family agreed to surrender peacefully. All members were taken into custody, recorded, and subsequently presented to the Pattaya provincial court.
The land had been claimed by the family, with Rahat as Phonphong’s partner and A as his stepdaughter. They occupied the land, building a shelter, a toilet, a vegetable garden, and a stable for three horses, reported KhaoSod.
The true landowner discovered the illegal occupation and filed a complaint. Despite a previous arrest and release on bail, the family returned, leading to the latest court warrant and subsequent arrest.
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