Land Dispute at Khao Kradong Expected to Conclude in Coming Month
The ongoing dispute over the Khao Kradong land in Buri Ram is moving towards resolution, according to Interior Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai.
The Minister has confirmed that the government is following legal procedures in the case, with the Ministry of Interior obtaining court warrants and the Ministry of Interior overseeing the process. A recent meeting reviewed the case in detail, and a new mapping survey of the land is nearly complete.
The land in question was bestowed during King Rama VI's reign and has always been state property. However, the issue of land ownership has been a contentious one, with some individuals claiming rights to the land due to their acquisition before the royal decree, while those who occupied it afterwards are in breach of the law.
Any occupation of the land after the royal decree was issued is a legal violation. The government, as the rightful owner of the disputed land, will decide the fate of the football stadium and racetrack located there.
The government will first revoke land deeds related to the Khao Kradong case, allowing affected parties to challenge the decision in court. These deed cancellations can then be legally contested. Once finalized, the new map will be used to notify residents of encroachment and initiate deed cancellations.
The court has requested alignment between land measurements from the Department of Lands and the State Railway of Thailand to ensure accuracy. The name of the new head of the Department of Lands who will sign the revocation of land rights for the Khao Kradong case is not yet known.
Minister Phumtham has met with all stakeholders regarding the Khao Kradong case and is confident that the dispute will be resolved by the end of next month. Any protests or appeals must be made through the courts, according to Mr. Phumtham.
The government will consider whether the operators of the football stadium and racetrack can continue renting the land after their deeds are revoked. Issues related to lease agreements for the disputed land will be handled separately and cannot be decided immediately.
The new map will be used to address issues of encroachment on the disputed land, ensuring a fair and legal resolution to the Khao Kradong land dispute in Buri Ram.
