Tin mine land probe concludes

PHUKET: The investigation into land titles covering 17 former tin mines has concluded, with titles covering 663 rai expected to be revoked, Vice-Governor Pongpow Ketthong told the Gazette today. V/Gov Pongpow, who presided over the investigation, said that the results will be passed to Phuket Governor Udomsak Usawarangkura before New Year’s Day, though he added that a time frame for any revocation of land titles has yet to be scheduled. He said that investigating officers classified each of the 17 suspect tin mines into one of three groups: • Five titles covering 663 rai in Kathu, Kamala and Klong Tha Rua mangrove swamp, which V/Gov Pongpow expects to be revoked. • NorSor 3 titles covering 32 rai – parts of which encroach on government land. • About 300 rai spread around the island. V/Gov Pongpow did not disclose the location of the land in the last two instances, nor whether revocation of titles for that land is expected.