BANGKOK: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul has publicly stated that all parties involved in the Khao Kradong land dispute are exercising their legal rights in accordance with the law. Anutin emphasized that the Land Department acts as a committee member rather than an adversary in the matter, and urged the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to provide clear evidence and title deeds, as the current documentation remains ambiguous. He expressed his desire for a resolution, advocating for legal action to be taken against possessors on a plot-by-plot basis. Anutin firmly denied any political motivations or support for a specific political family, insisting that vengeance would be sought if such actions were linked to coalition parties.
According to Thai News Agency, Anutin addressed the ongoing conflict between the SRT and the Land Department, which has seen the Ministry of Transport asserting its legal right to file lawsuits within a month against occupants of the disputed area. Bo
th the SRT and the Land Department have affirmed their commitment to exercising their legal rights, with the Land Department adhering to court verdicts. The Supreme Court’s ruling is binding only on the involved parties, including the SRT and 35 individuals, while the Land Department is following Section 61 of the Land Act based on the Administrative Court’s decision.
When questioned about potential lawsuits under Section 157 for dereliction of duty, should the Director-General of the Land Department fail to act against the SRT, Anutin maintained that all parties have the right to legal recourse. The Land Department’s committee voted against revocation due to insufficient evidence from the SRT, allowing the SRT the right to appeal to higher authorities, including the court of justice.
Anutin stressed the importance of legal compliance from all parties, dismissing any notion of favoritism. He assured the public that no assistance would be provided outside the legal framework, emphasizing that all actions mus
t adhere to rules and laws. Anutin expressed confidence that Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Suriya Juangroongruangkit shares this commitment to legal adherence.
Anutin also commented on the proposal by the Council of State regarding landowners transitioning to rental agreements, clarifying that the Land Department is not responsible, as the Supreme Court’s ruling affects only the parties directly involved. The Land Department, he explained, is complying with the Administrative Court’s order, as the SRT has yet to substantiate its land rights.
Further addressing the matter, Anutin stated that the SRT’s issuance of leasing rights does not directly involve the Land Department. He emphasized that the Land Department’s duty is to revoke state land with clear documentation and reiterated that the verification of ownership is crucial before any leasing agreements can be finalized. He highlighted that the Land Department advised the SRT to confirm its rights, as the current documentation lacks clar
ity.
In response to inquiries about the potential impact on public facilities like football fields and race tracks, Anutin assured that any government-owned land would be reclaimed if proven. He reiterated his desire for a swift resolution, emphasizing the need for individual lawsuits against each landholder to expedite the process.
When asked about the implications of former Senator Somchai Saengkaew’s request to revoke the Alpine Golf Course land ownership and potential political links, Anutin stated that decisions rest with the Ministry of Interior’s Permanent Secretary, who delegated responsibility to a Deputy Permanent Secretary. He insisted that actions are based on facts and are transparent, dismissing any notion of political retribution.
Regarding the potential impact on coalition government relations, Anutin confirmed that retaliatory actions had never been considered and stressed that such issues would not affect parliamentary functions.