Saraburi: An investigation conducted by the Agricultural Land Reform Office (ALRO) has uncovered significant encroachment by Wat Pha Chanachai on land designated for agricultural use. The inquiry revealed substantial evidence of unauthorized land clearing and construction activities, including the development of houses for sale.
According to Thai News Agency, the ALRO’s investigation into the “Wat Phachana Jai” meditation center, located in Saraburi province, identified various infractions within the land reform area. The findings included forest clearing, land leveling, and the use of heavy machinery for construction purposes. In response, ALRO is in the process of gathering evidence to initiate legal proceedings and potentially revoke the land ownership rights.
The investigation was prompted by complaints of non-agricultural activities occurring on agricultural land reform areas in Nong Yang Suea Subdistrict, Muak Lek District, and adjacent regions in Wang Muang District, Saraburi Province. A joint inspection by relevant agencies unveiled activities at four significant locations.
At the first site, a construction project for a monastic residence spanning approximately 13 rai (about 2.1 hectares) was discovered, with more than ten buildings erected. The second location resembled a village, where land had been cleared, leveled, and divided into plots, with houses and utilities installed. These houses are reportedly being sold for around 500,000 baht each. The third site, an International Buddhist Site area, involved the use of heavy machinery for excavation, filling, and tree-cutting to expand the construction area. Lastly, the fourth location involved leveling on a hillside, preparing the area for additional structures.
The ALRO emphasized that the area in question falls within a land reform zone, which is designated for allocation to farmers for cultivation purposes. Any development projects or activities unrelated to agriculture are deemed a misuse of the land according to the law. The office is currently collecting evidence and, should conclusive evidence of wrongdoing be established, it plans to pursue legal action, including revoking land rights and reclaiming the land.
In addition to these measures, the central Land Reform Office (Sor Por Kor) has issued an urgent directive to all provincial governors, instructing them to ensure provincial Sor Por Kor offices rigorously monitor land ownership and usage. Immediate legal action is mandated to prevent further encroachment or misuse of land intended for agricultural reform.