The Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry has initiated a robust series of inspections that could spell the end for over 400 resorts found encroaching upon public land in the picturesque Wang Nam Khieo district of Nakhon Ratchasima. Spearheading this mission is Thanadol Suwannarit, the indomitable chairman of the ministry’s task force on illegal land ownership under the Agricultural Land Reform Office (Alro). In a dramatic joint operation on Tuesday, the task force—bolstered by the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo) and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI)—descended upon the Golden Mountain Resort in clifftop tambon Wang Nam Khieo.
Nestled on an expansive 73 rai of prime real estate, the Golden Mountain Resort is collectively owned by a former local political heavyweight, Kamnan Nor, and his two business partners. Kamnan Nor, who boasts a storied political career, represented Nakhon Ratchasima as an MP from 2007 to 2018, switching allegiances among parties like the Puea Pandin Party, Bhumjaithai Party, Palang Pracharath Party, and the Thai Local Power Party. These three proprietors faced charges of land encroachment back in 2013, brought forth by the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Land Reform Office.
The tangled case saw its resolution in 2018 when the court decisively ruled that the constructions must come down, with the land to be restored to its unsullied natural state by 2020. Furthermore, the triple-ownership hub was slapped with a hefty fine of 1.98 million baht plus interest.
Mr. Thanadol underscored that the recent enforcement action came at the behest of Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Thamanat Prompow. Alarmingly, the scope of the problem is vast—reports indicate that no fewer than 437 other resorts in the area have similarly flouted land usage laws. Among these, ten—including Golden Mountain Resort—are already mandated for demolition by court orders.
As it stands, Alro is gearing up to level Golden Mountain Resort, which comprises an array of 18 buildings. Plans are also in the pipeline to pursue civil court cases against the proprietors of these encroaching establishments, aiming not merely for demolition costs but also for compensatory damages.
The Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Land Reform Office will meticulously inspect these resorts, weighing each case individually to determine their fate and seeking court-sanctioned demolition orders as necessary. Mr. Thanadol made it clear—criminal charges await resort owners conclusively found guilty of encroachment.
The crackdown has garnered the backing of many local residents, who welcome the move to reclaim the land from these commercial entities. They are calling on Alro to repurpose the land for the greater good—perhaps by leasing it out, using it for community benefits, or allocating it to landless farmers in need. The future of Wang Nam Khieo’s pristine landscapes hangs in the balance, as these sweeping reforms promise to reshape its destiny.
Finally, someone is taking action against these illegal resorts. It’s about time they paid for ruining our beautiful land!
I agree, Joe. It’s outrageous how long they got away with it. But I wonder if the crackdown will actually solve the problem or just displace it elsewhere.
True, Larry. Sometimes these operations just move the illegal activities to a new spot. We need ongoing vigilance.
You’re both right. Enforcement needs to be consistent and comprehensive to make a lasting impact.
It’s shocking that a former MP was involved in this. Corruption runs deep in our political system.
Not surprised at all, Angela. Politicians have always been about making money, whatever the cost to the public.
Corruption is a global problem, not just here. But high-profile cases like this at least bring some hope for change.
If we get rid of all these resorts, what happens to tourism? It’s a crucial part of the local economy.
Good point, Tim. We need sustainable tourism solutions that don’t involve illegal land use.
Exactly, Maya! We should promote eco-friendly tourism that respects the land and benefits the community.
What a waste! They should convert these buildings into something useful instead of tearing them down.
But aren’t they built on stolen land? It’s about justice, not convenience.
I get that, Allan, but we’re facing a housing crisis too. Maybe we can find a balance?
Less resorts mean more land for farming! Finally, some good news for us farmers.
Yeah, but are they really going to give the land back to local farmers or will it just go to another corrupt official?
Good question, Lena. I guess we’ll have to wait and see if they keep their promises this time.
Illegal or not, those resorts probably employ a lot of people. What happens to those jobs now?
It’s a tough situation, John. Maybe the government needs to step in and provide alternative jobs or training programs.
I think the focus should be on reclaiming and preserving natural land. Once it’s lost, it’s gone forever.
Absolutely, David. We need to prioritize the environment over temporary economic gains.
Thanks, Eco_Warrior. If we don’t protect our natural resources, future generations will pay the price.
Good job, Thanadol! We need more leaders like him who are not afraid to take bold actions.
I’m skeptical. How do we know this isn’t just a show to make the ministry look good?
Could be, Patricia. Politicians often stage big actions to distract from other issues. We need real transparency.
Does anyone know what the local community thinks about this? Are they supportive?
From what I’ve heard, many locals are in favor because they want the land for community projects.
I just hope this doesn’t become a continuous cycle of building illegally, getting caught, and then moving on to the next spot.
The fines should be heavier. Make it unprofitable to break the law!
This is a step in the right direction. We need to value our environment more.
This operation seems too big to handle efficiently. I bet some resorts will slip through the cracks.
It’s amazing how much difference one leader can make. Go Thanadol!
Yes, but credit also goes to the entire task force and the support of the community.