Bangkok: The Land Department clarified that the Prime Minister did not intervene in the revocation of temple land. The clarification came amid a heated no-confidence debate where opposition parties scrutinized Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, the Prime Minister, for allegedly holding shares in Alpine Co., Ltd., which was accused of dealing with temple land.

According to Thai News Agency, the Land Department swiftly issued a statement to clarify the facts, stating that Ms. Shinawatra acquired these shares from previous shareholders before assuming the office of Prime Minister. This transfer complied with legal procedures and was independent of her governmental duties. At the time of the transfer, the legal status of the land was still under consideration, and its revocation process had not been completed.

The Land Department further explained that the decision to revoke the land, which was to be returned to Sangha land, occurred without any interference or delay from the Prime Minister. On the contrary, the revocation process was expedited during her tenure, demonstrating adherence to legal frameworks without any inappropriate benefit-seeking.