Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul has urged the new director-general of the Department of Lands (DoL) to resolve the Khao Kradong land dispute in Buri Ram province strictly according to the law, warning that failure to do so could lead to lawsuits from local residents.
Anutin expressed concern that the ongoing dispute could shake investor confidence, especially in rural areas. He emphasized that land transactions in question were carried out legally and supported by official title deeds, with investors acting in good faith.
“If title deeds can be revoked after the fact, investors will avoid rural areas altogether and focus only on cities,” he said. He also revealed that, during his time as interior minister, he had sought legal clarification from the DoL, which confirmed the legitimacy of the landowners’ rights.
Over 900 families could potentially file legal action if their land rights are challenged. Anutin warned that officials involved could face consequences for any unlawful actions, citing previous cases where government staff were found guilty of abuse of power.
He stressed that the issue should not be used for political gain and called for a fair resolution. The dispute has intensified following government plans to reclaim the land for the State Railway of Thailand, based on court rulings.