Narumon Asserts No Leniency for Sor Por Kor Land Encroachment.

Bangkok: Mrs. Narumon Pinyosinwat, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, has firmly stated that individuals found guilty of encroaching on Sor Por Kor land will face strict consequences. She clarified that no report has yet been received suggesting involvement of a former deputy prime minister's associate in the alleged encroachment tied to a resort. According to Thai News Agency, Mrs. Narumon addressed inquiries concerning Mr. Thanadol Suwannarit, Advisor to the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, who had disclosed potential involvement of his girlfriend, linked to a former Deputy Prime Minister, in a resort's encroachment on the land. Mrs. Narumon mentioned that the Agricultural Land Reform Office (ALRO), under the supervision of Mr. Itthi Sirilathayakorn, is responsible for overseeing this matter. The current investigation aligns with policies initiated during Colonel Thammanat Prompao's tenure as Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, emphasizing the reclamation of land from capitalists to r edistribute to farmers, reflecting a significant government and ministry policy. In response to concerns about potential challenges in inspecting land owned by influential figures, Mrs. Narumon assured that the inspection team operates nationwide, particularly targeting non-agricultural land use by capitalists. She cited past efforts in reclaiming land in areas such as Surat Thani Province, conducted under Colonel Thammanat's ministry, where land was returned to farmers. The ongoing initiative has been active since 2021 and continues to persist. When questioned about the possibility of the deputy prime minister in question being General Prawit Wongsuwan, Mrs. Narumon stated that she had not reviewed any reports and would rely on Mr. Itthi's input, as he oversees Sor Por Kor. She plans to seek further clarification from Mr. Itthi during her visit to Yala Province, followed by subsequent trips to Pattani and Narathiwat Provinces. Mrs. Narumon emphasized the Ministry of Agriculture's commitment to addressing illegal land use, ensuring that farmland is prioritized for farmers. She reiterated that any illegal private sector activities involving ALRO land will prompt government action to rectify the situation in favor of the farmers. Mr. Setthakiat Krajangwong, Secretary-General of the ALRO, confirmed that actions are underway without waiting for formal complaints. Mr. Thanadol Suwannarit and his team are actively inspecting areas with evidence of ALRO law violations, collaborating with local ALRO teams. In cases where there is concern about potential news leaks, they conduct covert operations. Regarding the current status of Rai Phu Nub Dao, Mr. Setthakit noted that thorough inspections are being conducted by Mr. Thanadol's group, not only at Rai Phu Nub Dao but also in nearby Sor Por Kor areas, to ensure land is returned to farmers. He acknowledged the need for further verification on whether the farm has recently resumed operations.