DSI Investigation Confirms 271 Plots Belong to SRT

Picture courtesy of Matichon

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has confirmed it will pursue an inquiry into alleged land encroachments at Kra Dung Hill in Buriram province, emphasising that a change in the political landscape will not impede the investigation.

DSI officials have identified four individuals occupying more than 50 rai across five plots. Additionally, 271 plots previously certified by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) as being outside railway jurisdiction are now under review, after preliminary investigations suggest they do in fact belong to SRT. These plots, issued with land titles between 1972 and 1996, are being scrutinised to determine who authorised the certificates and who currently occupies the land.

Pol. Lt. Col. Natthaphon Disyatham, Director of the DSI’s Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division, stated that investigations are ongoing, including the examination of historical records, old maps, court rulings and satellite imagery. Modern technologies such as aerial photography and drones have been employed to confirm land boundaries, which align with SRT’s maps covering 5,083 rai.

The DSI is also investigating reports of construction encroaching on public areas, including a football field and a racetrack, within SRT property. Officials are coordinating with the Buriram Land Office and SRT to verify these claims before taking further action.

Pol. Lt. Col. Natthaphon emphasised that the DSI is committed to following the law, regardless of political changes and will proceed according to its mandate. He expects that, once all necessary information is received from SRT, the case could be designated a special case within approximately two weeks.

Preliminary legal assessments indicate potential violations of Thailand’s Land Code (Sections 9 and 108) and other laws protecting natural resources. Encroachments exceeding 50 rai may also trigger anti-money laundering investigations, as profits derived from illegally occupied land could constitute financial crimes.

Regarding historical claims, officials noted that two large plots had legitimate occupation prior to 1919, but verification is ongoing. Any suspicious internal family transfers or irregular title deeds will also be investigated.

The SRT legal team attended a meeting with the DSI on the afternoon of 5 September, to provide additional information, though it has not yet specified who may face charges.

Related article:

https://aseannow.com/topic/1372122-srt-postpones-legal-complaint-to-dsi-over-land-encroachment/

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-09-06