Bangkok: The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) stormed Government House, urging the government to expedite the return of "Khao Kradong" to the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and pressuring Anutin Charnvirakul to remove his name from the household registration in the disputed area.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Pichit Chaimongkol, along with Mr. Nasser Yimma, a leader of the Network of Students and People for Thailand Reform (NSPR), and representatives from various labor unions, submitted a letter to Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul. The letter urged the government to act swiftly in accordance with the court ruling on the Khao Kradong land case in Buriram province and to uphold ethical standards of political office holders.
The PAD emphasized that the Khao Kradong land issue is not just a land ownership dispute but a critical test of the rule of law, good governance, and the sanctity of the Thai justice system. They highlighted that the land has been the property of the SRT since 1919, predating the issuance of land titles to private individuals, which they argue might be illegal.
Further, the Central Administrative Court's ruling on March 30, 2023, confirmed that the area belongs to the SRT, setting a precedent for returning the land to the state. The Office of the Council of State and other agencies have supported this stance, recognizing the land as state property.
The PAD is urging the government and the Ministry of Interior to expedite action based on the court's binding judgment on all government agencies, resolving issues of overlapping land titles without allowing the Land Department's processes to override the court's decision.
The Committee for People's Rights (CPR) noted that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is listed on the household registration in the disputed areas, which could raise concerns about ethical transparency in the exercise of state power. The PAD urges the Prime Minister to remove his name from the registration and avoid actions that could be perceived as endorsing encroachment on SRT land.
The PAD asserts that their movement aims to uphold court judgments and state property protection, ensuring political officeholders maintain higher ethical standards and that laws are enforced fairly.
In a related development, Pol. Gen. Seripisut Temiyaves, a list MP from the Seri Ruam Thai Party, submitted a letter to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, requesting an investigation into the Director-General of the Department of Lands and police officers involved in revoking land titles at Khao Kradong.
Pol. Gen. Sereepisuth criticized the refusal to revoke land titles encroaching on SRT land as illegal, citing the land's use for personal gain through unauthorized developments. He urged the National Police Chief to investigate and prosecute those responsible quickly, as the case already has final judgments from multiple courts.
He also responded to statements by Mr. Supachai Jaisamut of the Bhumjaithai Party, who threatened legal action against those making accusations regarding Khao Kradong. Pol. Gen. Sereepisuth clarified his independence and duty as an MP to oppose government wrongdoing.
Pol. Gen. Sereepisuth expressed confidence that his actions have challenged state power and pledged to pursue the matter legally if government and police authorities fail to act. He vowed to continue the fight for justice in the Khao Kradong land dispute.