Buriram: The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has confirmed that the Khao Kradong land case is not yet closed and falls under the jurisdiction of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the courts.
According to Thai News Agency, recent reports on social media suggested that the DSI had concluded its investigation into the Khao Kradong land case, leading to the public's belief that no further legal action would be taken. However, the DSI clarified that two individuals had filed complaints alleging illegal conduct by government officials concerning overlapping land title deeds. These deeds pertain to land boundaries defined by the Royal Decree for a railway extension dated November 25, 1921, which the Supreme Court has ruled as state-owned.
The DSI accepted the case for investigation under file number 97/2568 through its Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division. The investigation gathered data from court judgments, the Council of State, the Buriram Provincial Land Office, and other government agencies. It was revealed that the case involves over 18 lawsuits across civil, criminal, and administrative courts. The Administrative Court had instructed the Department of Land to establish a committee under Section 61 of the Land Code, which chose not to revoke land title documents for 995 plots, resulting in further legal action.
Allegations against the Section 61 committee have also targeted the DSI and the Anti-Corruption Commission of the Royal Thai Police. The Anti-Corruption Commission's case file has been forwarded to the NACC for investigation under the 2018 Anti-Corruption Act. The DSI must also forward its findings to the NACC for consolidation and further action, as per the 2018 Anti-Corruption Act.
Regarding state land encroachment, the Organic Act on Prevention and Suppression of Corruption assigns these matters to the NACC. The DSI has expressed its readiness to support the NACC if requested. With several cases still pending in court, the DSI has submitted its findings to relevant agencies to aid legal proceedings and protect state interests.
In conclusion, the Khao Kradong land case remains active and is being handled according to relevant laws, contrary to public perception. The DSI remains committed to its role in the prevention, suppression, investigation, and prosecution of special cases under the Special Investigation Act.