Anti-Corruption Probe Uncovers Dodgy Land Deals on Koh Rap

[snoop1130]

 

A probe by the Anti-Corruption Division (ACD) is scrutinising the issuance of 33 suspect title deeds on Koh Rap, Surat Thani, an island poised to become part of the Hat Khanom-Mu Koh Thale Tai National Park. On-site inspections were conducted to verify the legitimacy of these land ownership documents from local businesses.

 

The investigation, led by Police Colonel Somsak Niamlek, aims to determine the legality of these deeds, some tied to seemingly dodgy lease contracts for temple land. The probe is using a range of documentation, including aerial photos dating back to 1955, to piece together the puzzle.

 

 

 

 

Koh Rap, located off Koh Samui, is about 8 kilometres from Khanom district on the mainland. With the area earmarked for national park inclusion, authorities are keen to ensure only genuine land titles stand. Under investigation since August, the probe has the potential to reclaim improperly deeded land.

 

Permsak Kongkaew, head of the local Conservation Office, emphasised the seriousness of the issue. Any fraudulent deeds will result in land seizures and legal action. Meanwhile, the head of the national park, Wimolmat Nuiphakdee, highlighted the ongoing loss of designated land due to overlapping claims, vowing a tough stance on preserving the remaining park area. This investigation marks a significant battle in the effort to protect Koh Rap’s vulnerable lands from illicit profiteering.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-08-30

 

 

Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

[hotchilli]

11 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Permsak Kongkaew, head of the local Conservation Office, emphasised the seriousness of the issue. Any fraudulent deeds will result in land seizures and legal action. Meanwhile, the head of the national park, Wimolmat Nuiphakdee, highlighted the ongoing loss of designated land due to overlapping claims, vowing a tough stance on preserving the remaining park area. This investigation marks a significant battle in the effort to protect Koh Rap’s vulnerable lands from illicit profiteering.

Some land office officials must have got unusually wealthy over this issue.

[john donson]

every single land department is corrupt to the core, unless otherwise proven