Buriram: A blind aunt and her younger sister in Buriram have appealed for legal intervention after their brother seized 15 rai of inherited land, refusing to share it with his seven siblings. Despite winning a legal battle in 2014, the brother has ignored the court's order to divide the land, continuing to farm it alone. Over a decade has passed, and the younger brother, fearing threats of violence, still cannot access the land.
According to Thai News Agency, Mrs. Samrit, aged 66, who is blind, and Mrs. Thongdee, aged 59, are seeking help from Mr. Phatthapong Suphakson, also known as Lawyer Aun Buriram. Following their parents' death, the eldest brother of the eight siblings took control of the approximately 17 rai of land, despite their mother's dying wish for it to be equally divided. In 2009, five siblings united to file a lawsuit against their eldest brother.
The Buriram Provincial Court ruled in 2010 that the eldest brother must divide the land among the five siblings, granting each 1/7 of the disputed plot and covering the court fees. The defendant appealed, but the Court of Appeals Region 3 upheld the decision. A further appeal in 2014 was dismissed, closing the case. Despite this, the eldest brother continued to fence the land, build a house, and farm, ignoring the court's verdict and leading to a situation where three siblings passed away without benefiting from the land.
Now, only two younger sisters remain. Mrs. Samrit, blind, and her sister, who struggles to make a living, have been denied access to the land due to threats of violence from their brother. The sisters have now turned to Lawyer Aun for assistance, as they face hardships without land to sustain themselves.
During a visit to the disputed land, Lawyer Aun and the sisters encountered the son of the older brother, who claimed he had been farming the land independently for over 20 years. He denied any connection to his father's legal troubles and asserted sole rights over the land.
Lawyer Aun remarked that the legal process had concluded with a court ruling for equal land division among the siblings. However, the defendant's refusal to comply and threats of violence have prevented the plaintiffs from farming the land. The Prime Minister's Office has been notified, with steps being taken to involve the Buriram Provincial Prosecutor in potentially auctioning the land. The sale has faced challenges as the defendant maintains his claim over the property.
The lawyer emphasized the importance of resolving the dispute amicably, suggesting compensation or alternative arrangements for the siblings who have yet to benefit from their inheritance. If no agreement is reached, the injured parties may pursue eviction through legal channels.