Bangkok: The Agricultural Land Reform Office (ALRO) is accelerating its investigation into land ownership nationwide. Those found guilty will have their rights revoked and the land reclaimed.
According to Thai News Agency, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture revealed that Thammanat has instructed the Agricultural Land Reform Office (ALRO) to proceed with investigating land use in reform zones nationwide and to immediately revoke rights if illegal possession or misuse of the land is found.
Mr. Nares Thamrongtipayakun, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, revealed that the Agricultural Land Reform Office (ALRO) is strictly monitoring and inspecting land ownership and utilization in land reform areas nationwide, following instructions from Captain Thamanat Phromphao, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives. The Secretary-General of the Agricultural Land Reform Office (ALRO) has issued an urgent letter to all provincial governors, instructing provincial ALRO offices to verify land ownership, both in terms of qualifications and land use. If it is found that the landholders do not meet the qualifications or are using the land for purposes other than intended, decisive legal action must be taken, including revoking rights and reclaiming the land.
Mr. Nares said that the Agricultural Land Reform Office (ALRO) is currently monitoring and investigating several areas, including the case of a Buddhist monastery occupying over 2,000 rai of land in Saraburi province. There have been complaints about the land being used for activities unrelated to agriculture. Officials have joined forces with relevant agencies to inspect the areas in Muak Lek and Wang Muang districts. Regarding the construction of temples or meditation centers, the Land Reform Office has coordinated with the Provincial Office of Buddhism to verify the facts with the local community to determine whether the construction is genuinely for the benefit of Buddhism. If it is found that the land is being used for escaping commercial activities, legal action will be taken.
Previously, Mr. Preecha Limthawil, Deputy Secretary-General of the Agricultural Land Reform Office (ALRO), clarified to the Senate's Committee on Natural Resources and Environment regarding the use of ALRO land in the border area of national forest reserves in Khon Kaen and Loei provinces for concerts, resort construction, and construction material businesses. This is considered a misuse of the land. ALRO confirmed that it will revoke the rights and reclaim the land if the investigation reveals any wrongdoing. The Deputy Minister of Agriculture emphasized that land in reform areas is intended solely for agricultural use. If any illegal occupation or use is discovered, the rights must be revoked and the land reallocated to landless farmers, in order to fulfill the true spirit of land reform.