Former Principal Accused by Buriram Villagers of Land Seizure

[snoop1130]

 

Inhabitants of Nong Mai Ngam, a village in the Lahan Sai District of Buriram Province, have accused a former school principal of seizing their agricultural property over unpaid loans. These villagers lodged their complaint, accompanied with evidence, with the Buriram Provincial Land Reform Office.

 

These individuals had borrowed money from the ex-principal, offering their Sor Por Kor land as collateral, but were unable to return the loans on time. As a result, land from 3 to 60 rai per person was seized by the principal. Even after attempts to repay the loans with interest, the principal demanded high sums in excess of the initial loans. For example, a villager who had borrowed 45,000 baht was asked for 400,000 baht for the return of the land, leaving him financially incapable of following through.

 

Affected by the loss of their land, some villagers have fallen sick and, scared of the implications, have sought help from the Land Reform Office. One villager, Chalerm, a 67 year old resident of Ban Sai Tree 16 was also impacted. Chalerm borrowed a total of 45,000 baht from the principal from 2006 onwards, putting his 3 rai land as a guarantee. He tried to return 150,000 baht including interest but was asked for 400,000 baht instead. Unable to comply, he turned to the Land Reform Office for help.

 

Meanwhile, the ex-principal has started pressurizing the affected villagers to sign lease agreements, using relatives to intimidate them when they refused, creating a fearful atmosphere in the village.

 

Prasert Kanchanakiatkul, the Buriram Provincial Land Reform Officer, announced that the Land Reform Office will have its lawyers look into these allegations. If they are found to be true, legal action will be carried out against the ex-principal. He pledged to thoroughly study the matter and make sure justice is served in accordance with the law.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-06-11

 

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe