Land Committee to Visit Khao Kradong for Discussions with Locals.

Buriram: The Land Committee has announced plans to visit Khao Kradong to engage with local residents, following inconclusive findings in an ongoing investigation related to land disputes. The inquiry has been stalled due to objections raised by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and the Land Department, which highlight the absence of a definitive map detailing property rights. The committee aims to continue its investigation and has scheduled a comprehensive examination for January 2025. According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Poonsak Chanchampi, a party-list MP of the Prachachon Party and chairman of the House Committee on Land, Natural Resources and Environment, provided insights into a recent committee meeting focused on the land dispute in Khao Kradong, Buriram Province. The meeting, lasting over two hours, featured discussions with several relevant agencies, though their clarifications remained ambiguous. Consequently, the committee determined the necessity for further investigation, particularly addressing the SRT's ownership claims. Controversies surrounding the SRT land expropriation royal decree remain unresolved, leaving ambiguity about whether the land encompasses a racetrack or a sports stadium. Additionally, the committee requested additional documentation to address the Land Department's revocation of land rights, particularly concerning the issuance of title deeds in the 5,000-rai area, which are subject to legal scrutiny. Mr. Poonsak emphasized the need for further investigation into several aspects of the Khao Kradong land issue. The committee has formally requested additional documentation from the agencies involved, which must be submitted within 15 days. Once the documents are received, a meeting will be convened to examine the details before the committee visits Khao Kradong again. A general meeting is planned for January 2025 to outline solutions and recommend government measures to support affected individuals. Mr. Lau Fang Banditthetkul, another party-list MP of the Prachachon Party and secr etary of the committee, commented on the land rights revocation process. He stated that compliance with the verdict, which designates the land as SRT property, is necessary. The land, although not used as a railway line or station, had been previously utilized by the SRT, thus establishing ownership. However, the lack of a definitive SRT map complicates the revocation process. The committee has requested the Land Department to provide the necessary map documentation once more, especially since the map drawn in 1996 is deemed unenforceable due to its creation post-dispute. Mr. Lau Fang addressed questions regarding the Land Department's inability to revoke land rights. He explained that the title deed issuance process adhered to legal protocols, but whether the deeds are lawful remains a separate matter. The Land Department's stance of not being a dispute party was criticized, given its governmental role in land management and supervision. Despite the Civil and Commercial Code binding the involved parties, ex ceptions exist for land ownership judgments, allowing beneficiaries to reference external entities. Consequently, the entire area of over 5,000 rai is considered SRT property.