Bangkok: Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has issued a challenge to address land issues comprehensively after being implicated in a land dispute case in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Anutin criticized individuals attempting to politicize the situation and urged caution regarding land ownership and development.
According to Thai News Agency, Anutin stated that the Khao Yai land case involved overlapping claims with Sor Por Kor land, a matter that requires verification by three ministries: the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, and the Ministry of Interior. He emphasized that the situation is mainly a bureaucratic issue and that the general public lacks access to the necessary information for resolution.
Anutin addressed concerns regarding the investigation of land sales, asserting that if any wrongdoing is found, the land should not just be returned without identifying the responsible parties. He pointed out that legitimate landowners should not be penalized for possessing legally issued title deeds, and stressed the adverse impact on villagers if the issue turns political. Anutin also highlighted that resolving the matter requires careful consideration of all affected areas, not just Pak Chong and Khao Yai.
In response to queries about potential lawsuits for damages, Anutin questioned the basis for such legal action, noting that his family had no intent to sell the land. He argued that if the Land Department issued incorrect deeds, they should be revoked and compensated. Anutin clarified that while his family is not financially damaged, the public and investors face significant setbacks. He mentioned that his family's primary business interests lie elsewhere and expressed concern for the villagers' livelihoods.
Anutin revealed his personal history, stating that he divested from his business decades ago and now lives off his savings, emphasizing his empathy for the villagers caught in the political crossfire. He criticized the closure of businesses like coffee shops due to disputed land demarcations, urging for a thorough review of land ownership lines.
Addressing the potential for the issue to fade without resolution, Anutin acknowledged the complexity of the case involving multiple agencies, noting that similar cases can take decades to resolve. He warned that the land dispute could deter future development if potential buyers fear legal complications.
Anutin also mentioned that some locals, tempted by bribes, sold their land amid the uncertainty. He expressed concern that the issue might expand beyond Pak Chong and Khao Yai, affecting land transactions nationwide and stifling development prospects.