Songsak Addresses Khao Kradong Land Dispute to House Committee.

Bangkok: "Songsak - Director-General of the Land Department" took to the floor to address the pressing issue of the Khao Kradong land dispute, expressing concern for the plight of over 900 villagers affected by the ongoing legal battle. Despite the court's final verdict, Songsak emphasized the necessity of proving rights solely for the litigants involved, ensuring fairness for the general public. Phunsak affirmed that the resolution process would be guided strictly by legal principles, devoid of political interference. According to Thai News Agency, the House of Representatives Committee on Land, Natural Resources and Environment, led by Mr. Poonsak Chanchampi, convened this morning, calling upon relevant agencies to clarify the land dispute involving the State Railway of Thailand, Ministry of Transport, and the Department of Lands, Ministry of Interior. Key figures in attendance included Mr. Songsak Thongsri, Deputy Minister of Interior, Mr. Pornpoj Penpas, Director-General of the Department of Lands, and M r. Ek Sitthiwekhin, Deputy Governor of the State Railway of Thailand. Mr. Poonsak, speaking prior to the meeting, highlighted the public interest surrounding the Khao Kradong issue. He raised concerns about the powers and duties of the investigation committee under Section 61 of the Land Code, including the committee's appointment process. He suggested that should any issues arise from the committee's findings, legal amendments should be expedited. The committee's decision on whether to revoke current measures remains pending. Mr. Poonsak also stressed the urgency for the State Railway of Thailand to act, regardless of any appeals, highlighting the existence of appeal regulations that need swift resolution. He expressed a desire to prevent the issue from fading from public discourse, confirming that the committee meeting would elucidate the committee's background per Section 61. Any procedural discrepancies would necessitate regulatory revisions, acknowledging systemic issues in Thailand regarding title dee d revocation and corruption. Thus, the committee's role in land management is deemed crucial. Addressing potential political entanglements, Mr. Poonsak stated that today's meeting would focus on legal and procedural matters rather than political influences. However, should political influences be identified, it would fall upon the committee to rectify and enhance the relevant laws. When questioned about potential political interference, Mr. Poonsak reiterated the committee's priority on scrutinizing the Section 61 committee's procedures and addressing any deficiencies, a task central to the legislative branch's oversight of the executive branch's legal frameworks. Mr. Songsak, during the initial meeting, acknowledged his responsibility in overseeing the Land Department, which is pertinent to the day's discussions. He noted the public's keen interest in the Khao Kradong issue, often fueled by media reports lacking transparency. He expressed optimism that today's deliberations would furnish the committee wit h comprehensive insights, ultimately benefiting both the public and the State Railway of Thailand, which claims ownership of the contested land. Mr. Songsak empathized with the over 900 individuals who have long legally inhabited the land, acknowledging misconceptions that the court's final ruling awarded the land to the State Railway of Thailand. He emphasized the committee's mediatory role in presenting balanced facts about the land's acquisition by both the State Railway of Thailand and the public. Although the ruling is definitive, its applicability extends solely to the litigants, necessitating proof of rights for other affected parties to ensure equitable treatment.