Nonthaburi: “Johnny the Enforcer,” along with his attorney Kerdphol Kaewkerd, has lodged a formal complaint with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) against the Director-General of the Department of Social Development and Welfare, as well as three officials, for alleged misconduct and defamation. This complaint arises from allegations that the officials trespassed on the land of the Lam Dom Noi Self-Help Settlement in Ubon Ratchathani Province and discriminated against Johnny due to his criticisms of the Prime Minister.
According to Thai News Agency, Johnny the Enforcer claims the accusations against him, regarding the construction of a resort encroaching on the Lam Dom Noi Self-Help Settlement, are baseless and discriminatory. He asserts that he has been targeted unfairly after he criticized the Prime Minister in a video post. Johnny further contends that he has legal ownership of the land, having purchased it with proper documentation from local villagers, and he insists that he has been wrongfully accused without due process.
Johnny argues that his criticism of the Prime Minister was merely an exercise of his rights as a citizen and led to his resignation from the police force. He also highlights that the investigation into his resort was initiated without any prior administrative orders or requests for demolition, which he believes constitutes neglect of duty and discrimination by the officials involved. His lawyer, Kornphol, emphasized that Johnny’s purchase of the land was legitimate and that any legal proceedings should have been preceded by an official demolition order, allowing Johnny the opportunity to appeal.
Local sources indicate that the initial complaint involved not just Johnny but several other individuals, including nurses and villagers, suggesting that the investigation is part of a broader inquiry. The Department of Social Development and Welfare has been aware of the situation since 2022, reportedly acting within its duties without any intent of harassment. The villagers, who confirm that Johnny’s resort was constructed on previously transformed land, express their support for Johnny, noting his efforts to engage and benefit the local community.
The Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division (NRECD) has announced plans to investigate the land in question. An advance team is set to assess the extent of any encroachment, and discussions with local villagers are planned to ensure clarity and cooperation. The full NRECD team is expected to conduct a more thorough investigation on July 22.