From the breathtaking heights of Khao Kradong Forest Park, nestled in the heart of Muang district, Buri Ram, the panoramic view is as captivating as ever (Bangkok Post File Photo). Yet, beneath this picturesque scenery, a legal tempest brews, threatening the lives of over 900 long-time local residents. These individuals find themselves entangled in a controversial court ruling that could forever alter their futures due to the Khao Kradong land dispute. This saga was highlighted recently during a discussion led by Deputy Interior Minister Songsak Thongsri at a thoughtfully convened meeting by Poonsak Chanchampee, a diligent People’s Party MP and the House committee’s dynamic chairman on land, natural resources, and environment.
The center of this escalating drama is a sprawling expanse of roughly 5,083 rai in Khao Kradong, situated in the northeastern province. The crux of the contention stems from the State Railway of Thailand’s (SRT) fervent quest to reclaim this parcel of land, after accusing the Department of Lands (DoL) of some serious wrongdoings in providing land title deeds to local inhabitants a good 15 years back. This predicament has taken on a life of its own, not just because of the numerous locals affected, but due to the intense political undertones it carries.
The Department of Lands, nestled under the umbrella of the Interior Ministry, operates under the watchful eye of the Bhumjaithai Party, intricately woven with the influential Chidchob political dynasty of Buri Ram. This connection was highlighted strikingly during a heated 2022 censure debate confronting Saksayam Chidchob, the former transport minister, where it surfaced that the Chidchob family held land titles to about 180 rai in Khao Kradong—land now identified with significant establishments like Chang Arena, home base to the beloved Buriram United football club, and the aptly renowned Chang International Circuit, a celebrated venue for the International MotoGP.
Newin Chidchob, known for his unwavering passion for football and racing, is synonymous with these developments, albeit asserting a step back from the political limelight. Beyond these recreational paradises, the land has been judiciously allocated to various government agencies, such as the Department of Highways, and supports critical infrastructure like roads and hospitals, with SRT’s blessings.
The saga took a new twist in September 2021 when the SRT took its grievances to the Administrative Court, urging the cancellation of around 900 title deeds and the eviction of all occupants. This move came on the heels of a decisive Supreme Court ruling that affirmed SRT’s ownership rights over the contested land.
Mr. Songsak expresses a profound understanding of the broader implications of this ruling, affecting not just individuals but also encompassing pivotal government agencies, the SRT, and the larger public. His empathy shines as he acknowledges the plights of the 900 residents, who had legally settled onto the land, only to be left in daunting uncertainty by the court’s decision favoring the SRT’s claim.
However, a sliver of hope remains. Despite the court’s unwavering ruling, the judgment primarily casts its weight only on the case’s direct parties. Meanwhile, Mr. Poonsak, standing forthright as the House committee chairman, has diligently ensured that relevant entities, including the SRT, the Ministry of Transport, the Department of Lands, and the Interior Ministry, are all on board to unravel this intricate issue.
In a move demonstrating poise and determination, the Department’s land committee, operating under the vigilant watch of Section 61 of the Land Code, opted against revoking the disputed deeds, even as the SRT seeks to challenge this decision. The resolution to this land conundrum awaits, hanging delicately in the balance, leaving all eyes on the next chapter of this enthralling real-life drama that has captivated a province, a nation, and beyond.
How can a public agency just decide to take back title deeds given over a decade ago? This seems utterly unjust to the families who’ve lived there for generations!
It might seem unfair, but legal oversight is crucial. The original title deeds might have been given out through irregular means.
Even if that’s true, shouldn’t the families be compensated adequately or given alternative land?
They were given title deeds legally, through a government process. Retracting them should have severe checks. There’s more to this than meets the eye!
This case reeks of political maneuvering. Who’s to say that the land isn’t being reclaimed for someone’s benefit higher up?
The political connections here are blindingly obvious! The Chidchob family’s influence can’t be ignored.
But isn’t it dangerous to jump to conclusions without concrete evidence linking them to this decision? Politicians have connections all over.
The Chidchob name keeps surfacing in various developments around Buri Ram. Coincidence?
What about the government agencies using that land? Are they going to be evicted too?
They’re probably too significant to evict. The roles those agencies play might grant them immunity.
If true, it seems hypocritical. Equal rules for all, right?
Couldn’t this dispute just be an excuse to shift blame or distract from bigger issues?
Certainly feels like a smokescreen! The timing with political shifts is too convenient.
Are there any known alternative developments planned for that land? Might give us a clearer picture.
If they cancel the land deeds for some residents, what stops them from doing it to others in different provinces?
Hopefully nothing! Land ownership should be protected by firm laws.
That’s a scary thought. This sets a dangerous precedent for property rights.
The SRT has every right to reclaim what’s theirs if it was wrongly distributed in the first place. But the process should be transparent.
I agree. Transparency here is paramount to maintain public trust.
Exactly, Tina. And those affected should be a priority for any support plans.
They already made a Supreme Court ruling. Why should SRT go through it again? It just causes community anxiety.
Once local and national governments start working together efficiently, real solutions might appear.
From your lips to policymakers’ ears! Fingers crossed they do something meaningful soon.
I’m more worried about environmental effects if this dispute leads to new developments. Will the forest park remain untouched?
This reads like a tug-of-war—there’s surely more behind the scenes than we’re told.
Yeah, unraveling the true motives here is like putting together a thousand-piece puzzle without the picture.
Can these families merge into a collective to fight this legally? Mass voice has power!
Are there not other similar cases of land disputes in Thailand? History might have some lessons.
Surely the tourism impact matters too. Evicting these families might cause international backlash.
Meanwhile, life for these residents is put on hold. The stress must be unimaginable.
Looking at the broader economic repercussions, any shift in land use would affect the local economy significantly.
Inside scoop or not, this story reflects the classic struggle over power and land—never-ending globally.
I hope this doesn’t lead to wider unrest. Local issues can ignite national movements if handled poorly.