Buriram: The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is taking decisive action to address the ongoing land dispute in Khao Kradong, Buriram Province. The DSI has initiated discussions with the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to acquire a crucial map of the area, dated 1921, which is expected to play a pivotal role in the legal proceedings surrounding the land.
According to Thai News Agency, the DSI, led by Pol. Lt. Col. Nattaphon Disayatham, Director of the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division, is conducting an investigation into the Khao Kradong land. This inquiry follows a court resolution that clearly established the boundaries of the land, which is owned by the SRT. The map, indicating that the land extends 1,000 meters to the left and right of the railway tracks up to kilometer marker 8, is consistent with previous surveys conducted jointly by the Department of Lands and the SRT as per an Administrative Court order. This map will serve as key evidence in evaluating the legality of 995 land title deeds, encompassing a total of 5,083 rai, with the DSI scheduled to examine the area from August 19-23.
The DSI’s investigation aims to cover the entire 5,083 rai, regardless of court rulings that initially revoked only specific land ownership. The focus is on assessing the legality of title deed issuance, independent of any previous court decisions. The DSI is committed to ensuring that all legal procedures are meticulously followed to guarantee fairness for all parties involved.
The scope of the investigation also extends to potential money laundering offenses if the title deed review reveals illicit sales or commercial use of government land. Besides collaborating with the SRT, the DSI is engaging with the Land Department, Buriram Provincial Land Office, and Buriram Provincial Damrongtham Center, which have been receiving complaints from villagers since 1996, to gather factual information for thorough fact-checking.
In a related development, over 300 villagers, out of 995 affected by the railway’s boundary claim, gathered at Chang Arena football field to receive legal advice. The case originated when individuals and legal entities took possession and issued title deeds to the Khao Kradong land, initially used by the SRT for mineral mining concessions. Despite a Supreme Court ruling in 2017 affirming the SRT’s ownership, the revocation process for the title deeds has been sluggish, prompting complaints to the DSI and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) for a comprehensive investigation.