Bangkok: Attorney Chanin has raised concerns that the Department of Special Investigation's (DSI) recent visit to Khao Kradong might have political implications and could impact innocent citizens. The visit is part of an ongoing investigation into the Khao Kradong land case, which is gathering evidence to decide if the case should be categorized as a special case.
According to Thai News Agency, Chanin Kaenhiran, the lawyer representing the Khao Kradong case, questioned whether the DSI is being utilized as a political tool. He emphasized that the Khao Kradong case is fundamentally a land rights dispute, not a special case, and should be addressed through established legal channels as outlined in Section 61 of the Land Code. The Administrative Court has determined that the authority to revoke title deeds lies with the Director-General of the Land Department, not the DSI. However, Chanin pointed out that attempts to expedite the case into a special classification, despite not meeting the criteria, seem to be politically motivated.
Mr. Chanin highlighted the misuse of documents such as the R.W. 9 or Sor Kor. 1, which are not title deeds but declarations of possession akin to those held by ordinary citizens. He noted the issue of scale distortion on maps, which appears to be an attempt not to uncover legal truth but to portray citizens as trespassers, even when they hold legal title deeds.
He expressed concern over the urgency to escalate the case into a special case following a political power shift. Chanin noted that the Ministry of Interior and related agencies have been pressured to resolve the issue quickly, despite it being a longstanding problem. He questioned why the case is being expedited now, suggesting that the motivations are political rather than justice-driven.
Mr. Chanin further explained that the legal principle is straightforward: if the government intends to revoke a title deed, it must follow through a thorough investigation committee under Section 61, allowing citizens the right to object. He emphasized that the DSI should not infringe on citizens' rights without reasonable justification, asserting that such actions represent a rule by political power rather than a rule by law.