Bangkok: Minister of Social Development and Human Security, Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, has clarified recent concerns regarding the Prime Minister's luxury hotel in Khao Yai, asserting that there is no division of upstream areas within the property, and the public retains full access.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Silpa-archa addressed the situation concerning Mr. Thirachai Panthumas, an MP for Bangkok from the Prachachon Party, who raised questions about the land title deed for the Thames Valley Khao Yai Hotel. The land, part of the Lam Takhong Self-Help Settlement, is located in a headwaters area that legally cannot be used or issued a title deed without appropriate permissions. Mr. Silpa-archa confirmed that the Thames Valley Hotel had adhered to legal requirements by notifying a change in the land use purpose on August 29, 2019, allowing it to engage in non-agricultural activities.
He further explained that the land in question is subject to a 1972 Revolutionary Council Order allowing the 280,000 rai self-help settlement area to be used fully for various activities. There is no division of the headwaters area because people were already residing there before the self-help settlement was formalized. Therefore, Mr. Silpa-archa reassured that there is no encroachment on any restricted areas, and the public can still utilize the settlement area without limitations.