Buriram: The 'Military Committee' recently convened to discuss a contentious issue involving the location of a military camp in Buriram, which reportedly encroaches on land belonging to local residents. The Deputy Commander of the Army Area assured that the approval process for the camp's location was conducted correctly, despite acknowledging certain discrepancies in documentation. He noted that the individual responsible for signing off on the approval has since retired. According to Thai News Agency, the meeting was chaired by Mr. Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, a party-list MP from the Prachachon Party. The committee examined the establishment of the 26th Military Circle, also known as Somdet Chao Phraya Maha Kasatsuek Camp, on land in Buriram Province claimed by local villagers. Representatives from the affected community, the State Railway of Thailand, Buriram Province, the Land Department, the Highways Department, the 26th Military Circle, and the Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning were p resent to provide clarification. During the meeting, a representative of the affected villagers claimed that part of the military camp's golf course was constructed on their land. They recounted how they were sued for eviction once the golf course was completed and were compensated in 2000. However, attempts to obtain a title deed were unsuccessful as the military asserted ownership of the land. The villagers expressed their willingness to allow the land's use for military purposes but were aggrieved by its transformation into a golf course. Lt. Col. Piyawat Ratchawong, deputy commander of the 26th Infantry Division, addressed the issue by dividing it into two parts: the location of the Infantry Division and the Army's sports center. He affirmed that the military camp's location was sanctioned through three separate requests for approval, covering three adjacent plots. He explained that the camp was established as a temporary support unit during a period of unrest, requiring land in Buriram Province. Lt. C ol. Piyawat questioned how the approval process was expedited, suggesting prior discussions and surveys took place before official approval. He clarified that the initial plot's approval was accurate, and subsequent requests for additional land were also legitimate. However, he conceded that the third plot did not align with existing documentation, leaving uncertainties regarding boundary lines. Col. Piyawat emphasized that the individuals involved in the approval process have since retired and should provide explanations. Col. Piyawat further elaborated that the current location of the 26th Infantry Division, rumored to have been relocated, is now occupied by the Buriram Highways Department. He presented photographic evidence comparing the area with the military camp's title deed, highlighting inaccuracies in the land demarcation.
