Community DSI Probes Illegal ‘VIP Runway’ Built Over Public Land in Nakhon Ratchasima

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Daily News.

 

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is awaiting clarification from five key government agencies regarding a controversial private airstrip in Pak Chong District that has allegedly been built illegally over public land.

 

The case, dubbed the “VIP Runway” scandal, revolves around a privately owned airstrip in Khanong Phra subdistrict, suspected of encroaching on public roadways and state-managed land without the proper authorisation. Aerial images and complaints suggest the 1,000-metre-long runway crosses a public road long used by local residents, raising questions about land rights, safety, and official approvals.

 

The DSI launched its investigation following a formal complaint from lawyer Phattharaphong Supakson, known publicly as “Lawyer Aun,” who questioned the legality of converting public infrastructure into an aircraft runway. The DSI’s Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division, led by Pol Lt Col Nathaphon Ditthayatham and Pol Lt Col Nimit Phromma, held a fact-finding meeting with local officials on 17 July to assess the situation.

 

Initial findings revealed that the disputed area falls under the jurisdiction of the Lamtakhong Self-Development Community, not the Khanong Phra Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (SAO). While the SAO is responsible for granting construction permits under the 1979 Building Control Act, it claimed no record exists of a permit being issued for the airstrip, either now or in the past, dating back to 2007.

 

The runway, according to investigators, is approximately 19 metres wide and spans 1 kilometre. It cuts across a 450-metre-long section of public road, 3.5 metres wide, that eventually leads into a private golf course. The end of the public road appears to have been converted into lawn within the golf course, reportedly preventing vehicle access. Although local authorities acknowledge this was once a thoroughfare, its status as a road appears to have been gradually erased.

 

DSI officers are now awaiting documentation from five government bodies before proceeding with further site visits and interviews:

 

1. Khanong Phra SAO – To clarify whether any public hearings or temporary landing approvals were held regarding the airstrip.

 

2. Department of Lands – To confirm the legal land status and boundary demarcations.

 

3. Lamtakhong Self-Development Community – To provide a timeline of the runway’s construction and any internal approvals.

 

4. Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) – To verify whether the site has aviation clearance or registration as a private airport.

 

5. Nakhon Ratchasima Office of Agricultural Land Reform (Sor Por Kor) – To confirm if any parts of the airstrip or golf course encroach on land designated for agricultural reform.

 

Notably, Lamtakhong officials have already filed a police report on 4 June, asserting that the airstrip was constructed over a road in Moo 12, Khanong Phra, without authorisation from the Director-General of the Department of Social Development and Welfare, in violation of Section 15 of relevant regulations. The disputed land area totals 294 square wah.

 

Adding to the complexity, the DSI uncovered preliminary evidence linking the airstrip’s construction to a prominent political figure. It appears that paperwork formalising the project only surfaced long after the runway had already been built, reportedly completed in 2012 based on aerial imagery. Additionally, a related public hearing appears to have occurred post-construction.

 

The investigation will soon expand to include interviews with two individuals:

 

1. The airstrip owner, whose name appears on later-stage approval documents linked to a well-known politician.

 

2. The golf course owner, reportedly the sister of the same politician, as her property connects directly to the runway and sits on land in question.

 

DSI investigators have flagged three major issues:

 

• The airstrip was built over land managed by a state agency (Lamtakhong).

 

• The golf course appears to occupy part of a public road.

 

• No official construction permits for the runway have been found, despite its presence on aerial maps dating back over a decade.

 

Investigators emphasise that further clarification, particularly from the Department of Lands, will determine whether public land was unlawfully appropriated for private aviation and leisure purposes.

 

The DSI has pledged to return to the site and pursue formal legal action once all requested documentation has been received.

 

Related article:

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1367068-dsi-probes-alleged-illegal-runway-built-over-public-land-at-private-airport/

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Daily News 2025-07-20

 

 

 

[JoePai]

So when was the runway built, yesterday afternoon or (say) a few years ago ?

[marin]

It's Anutin's. Attached to his resort and golf club.

[JAS21]

Yes . think its  Nikanti …absolutely nil chance of anything changing … just like Alpine

[topt]

2 hours ago, JoePai said:

So when was the runway built, yesterday afternoon or (say) a few years ago ?

 

7 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

It appears that paperwork formalising the project only surfaced long after the runway had already been built, reportedly completed in 2012 based on aerial imagery.

 

[Lucky Bones]

Why would anyone play golf in Thailand? (Unless they are a monk.) Politicians & army scamming/stealing is a daily sport.🙃🙃

[JAS21]

2 hours ago, Lucky Bones said:

Why would anyone play golf in Thailand? (Unless they are a monk.) Politicians & army scamming/stealing is a daily sport.🙃🙃

Have you been on the pop already. 

 

MrsJ and myself usually play three times a week, are not exactly poor, but wouldn’t dream of paying the price to play there …

[Will B Good]

 

 

Why are there not half a dozen tractors parked up on this piece of public highway? A few food stalls by the side, and twenty or so melon sellers?????

[Will B Good]

Is there any indication, where along the length of the runway, this public road crosses.......hoping it is smack in the middle.

[VocalNeal]

 

12 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

Is there any indication, where along the length of the runway, this public road crosses.......hoping it is smack in the middle.

 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/9KzZtEbT86433L528

 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/xHGT51x6gsMoBYt56

 

Thailand needs a new road sign?  In Thai of course.

 

[Will B Good]

2 minutes ago, VocalNeal said:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/9KzZtEbT86433L528

Smack in the middle....get the tractors rolling.

 

[Lucky Bones]

1 hour ago, JAS21 said:

Have you been on the pop already. 

 

MrsJ and myself usually play three times a week, are not exactly poor, but wouldn’t dream of paying the price to play there …

Been on the pop? No, not for at least 5 weeks. Thanks for your kind words.🙃🙃