SRT promises are being disputed by people.
PUBLISHED: 21 Dec 2024 at 06: 05
Songsak Thongsri, the Deputy Minister of Interior, said the State Railway of Thailand ( SRT ) appears to be at fault in a land dispute in Khao Kradong, Buri Ram.
Over 400 impacted residents met with Mr. Songsak and officials who discussed the property rights dispute with them in the contested land area in Muang district on Friday.
To demonstrate their legal residency on the property they claim was first occupied by their predecessors, residents of Samet and Isan sub-districts in the Muang city showed him property ownership documents, including name activities and Nor Sol 3 documents.
Some locals denied allegations of encroaching on the railroad property and claimed to have settled in the area before the railroad was built.
The governmental group examined the residential areas and the disputed railroad boundary. The contested area contains about 5, 083 ray in seven settlements in two subdistricts. The debate impacts 4, 712 communities with a population of around 7, 641 citizens and 12 government organizations, such as the Buri Ram Provincial Hall, the Provincial Administration Organisation, police facilities, schools and the Volunteer Defense Corps.
Mr. Songsak spoke out against miscommunications regarding the land’s ownership to the SRT and expressed sympathy for the affected residents. He noted that residents have been stung and harmed by the conflicting claims and unclear legal boundaries as a result of the situation.
He questioned whether the disputed land belonged to the SRT after speaking with the residents.
After listening to the residents, Mr. Songsak said he thought SRT had violated their rights.
He emphasized the significance of provincial governors and the Department of Lands holding discussions with the residents who had presented title deeds to back up their claims. Mr. Songsak gave the DoL the instructions to thoroughly examine the evidence and strictly follow the law in order to defend citizens ‘ rights.
He claimed that the lack of a clear sense of ownership has already caused problems for residents who use land titles to make purchases or obtain loans from banks.
Sombat La-on, a Buri Ram Provincial Land officer, said the DoL has adhered to court rulings, which include 35 cases where the SRT sued residents and vice versa.
The investigative committee came to the conclusion that the SRT’s evidence lacks sufficient clarity to warrant the removal of residents ‘ land titles. The committee suggested halting actions taken against the titles, a resolution that would benefit locals who have fought to keep their land rights.
The SRT has appealed the Do L’s decision.