Bangkok: The House Committee on Administration has intensified its inquiry into the investigation led by Thanadol Suwannarit regarding land inspections in the Pak Chong district of Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The scrutiny is primarily focused on the reasons for conducting these inspections, with Thanadol emphasizing the political undercurrents that seem to be influencing perceptions of the investigation. While he is unconcerned about prominent areas like Rancho Charnvee, Troscana, and Bonanza, his primary focus is on ensuring fairness for those who have legally acquired land titles. Watcharapong Kuwijit Suwan, the committee's vice chairman, has called for an equitable inspection approach, including a review of the Prime Minister's school on Khao Yai.
According to Thai News Agency, the House of Representatives' Committee on Administration, under the leadership of Mr. Krawee Prisananantakul, is exploring solutions to the persistent issue of overlapping state land. This inquiry involves representatives from key agencies such as the Agricultural Land Reform Office (ALRO), the Land Department, and the Department of Social Development and Welfare. Thanadol Suwannarit, who heads the working group for inspecting potential land offenses, was also called to provide explanations.
Mr. Krawee praised the working group's efforts in highlighting and investigating the overlapping land issues, particularly those involving Sor Por Kor plots that have been misused. He sought clarification on the scope and authority of the ongoing investigation, while Thanadol responded by outlining his roles and the legal frameworks guiding the inspections. He noted that many areas designated for land reform are being improperly utilized by businesses like resorts and coffee shops, contradicting the intended purposes of such allocations.
The investigation into Pak Chong was prompted by allegations from the National Park Department against the ALRO regarding overlapping land title deeds. Thanadol's team, with assistance from the Royal Thai Survey Department, is examining these claims to determine the validity of the issued deeds. He emphasized that all actions are being conducted within legal boundaries, despite concerns about political motivations.
Mr. Phonphi Suwanchawee, an MP from Nakhon Ratchasima, expressed reservations about the timing of the inspections, given ongoing mapping processes. He highlighted the anxiety among landholders in the area, who face uncertainty about the legality of their holdings. This uncertainty, he argued, is deterring investors and affecting local business prospects. Thanadol reassured that only legal frameworks are guiding the investigations, and any necessary law amendments would be pursued to address issues like land intended for tourism.
The investigation has also unveiled significant discrepancies, such as the issuance of 46,000 rai of land title deeds overlapping with Sor Por Kor land. This expansion raises concerns about legal loopholes and the integrity of land allocation processes. Thanadol remains committed to addressing these issues to prevent misuse and ensure lawful land use.
In response to inquiries about high-profile land holdings near Khao Yai, Thanadol stated his willingness to inspect suspicious areas if authorized by the relevant authorities. Meanwhile, the Director-General of the Land Department assured the legality of all title deeds issued, while acknowledging the complexities arising from overlapping jurisdictional claims.
Mr. Muhammad Yanghasan, Director of the State Land Department, provided updates on the government's One Map initiative, which aims to resolve boundary issues across several provinces, including Nakhon Ratchasima. The initiative seeks to ensure that legal title deeds are respected while providing a framework for resolving disputes and offering compensation where necessary. The goal is to address these overlapping land issues comprehensively and equitably.