Thailand's Natural Resources Minister Orders Special Team to Investigate Land Claims Linked to Bum Pannada

Key summary

Suachat Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, stated he does not accept initial reports at face value regarding allegations that the husband of Ms. Pannada Wongphudi, President of the Organization for Good Foundation, has encroached on over 100 rai of forest reserve land. Although local authorities reported the land as belonging to the Royal Property Department (Ratchaphasut), which leases land from the Forestry Department, Mr. Suachat ordered a special task force led by an Assistant Minister to conduct a fresh on-site inspection scheduled for October 26-27. He emphasized that if the land is indeed forest under the 1905 law and encroached upon without valid lease evidence, legal action will be taken immediately, citing the case of Khao Yai National Park as an example where encroachers were arrested and ordered to dismantle structures. The minister also noted that leases must specify whether the land is for agriculture or resort development, requiring different lease types accordingly. A similar verification process is underway for Koh Phangan in Surat Thani province despite existing documentation suggesting valid rights.