Dispute Over Khao Kradong Land Intensifies Amid Conflicting Claims
PUBLISHED: 25 Dec 2024 at 05:40
Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit reaffirmed that the contentious 5,000 rai of land in the Khao Kradong area of Buri Ram province is owned by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has urged all parties involved to await the Supreme Administrative Court’s ruling on the matter.
The conflict emerged when Deputy Interior Minister Songsak Thongsri suggested that the SRT might be mistaken in its bid to reclaim the land. He asserted that over 400 villagers from the Isan and Samet sub-districts in Muang district hold title deeds validating their ownership.
Suriya emphasized that the SRT must act to reclaim the land following a Supreme Court ruling affirming its ownership, or it could face allegations of failing in its duties. The SRT operates under the Ministry of Transport, while the Department of Lands, responsible for the land deeds in Buri Ram, is administered by the Ministry of the Interior.
In addressing the situation, Suriya mentioned that affected parties may be eligible for compensation where appropriate. This includes 12 local state agencies that have established buildings on the disputed land.
These agencies might be granted rental rights similar to those enjoyed by the Criminal Court, which has leased land from the SRT for its head office on Ratchadaphisek Road. Despite Suriya’s insistence on the SRT’s right to reclaim its land in Khao Kradong, Anutin called for patience until the Supreme Administrative Court makes its decision regarding a petition submitted by those affected by the SRT’s actions.
Anutin has instructed the Department of Lands to adhere strictly to legal protocols while managing the land dispute, ensuring fairness for all parties involved. The SRT has previously defended its reclamation efforts, asserting that it is now the responsibility of the Department of Lands to nullify the title deeds issued for this land, as mandated by the Central Administrative Court.
