Officials face probe over Pak Chong land grab

[webfact]

Officials face probe over Pak Chong land grab
Piyanut Tumnukasetchai,
Prasit Tangprasert
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- NINE OFFICIALS look set to face a probe from an anti-graft agency over allegations they played a role in illegal land grabbing, an informed source said yesterday.

The source said a team investigating the allegation was about to ask the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) to set up a fact-finding subcommittee and launch a probe against them.

"Evidence suggests nine officials and three [civilians] have been involved in the case," the source added.

The case relates to Porntawee Sutantirat, a surveyor at the Nakhon Ratchasima Agricultural Land Reform Office, and her alleged accomplices.

Last week, Porntawee was slapped with an abrupt transfer order as evidence emerged she might have helped her husband illegally claim more than 130 rai (44 acres) of land in Nakhon Ratchasima's Pak Chong district.

It was earlier reported that her husband's land-rights documents covered just 30 rai in Pak Chong in the beginning - but after they were turned into land-title deeds, the size of the land covered 155 rai - an alleged encroachment on about 130 rai of agricultural-reform land.

PACC secretary-general Prayong Preeyachitt yesterday said he agreed with the Agricultural Land Reform Office's decision to transfer Porntawee out of the area.

"That way, it is going to be easier to investigate the case," he said.

At present, the PACC has assigned one of its local offices to investigate the illegitimate issuance of land-rights documents in Pak Chong - the factor that has aggravated encroachment problems.

Many big businesses in Pak Chong, such as Bonanza International Speedway, are accused of encroaching on forestland and agricultural-reform land.

Justice Minister General Paiboon Koomchaya and Natural Resources and Environment Minister General Dapong Ratanasuwan have already instructed 20 relevant government agencies to come up with a clear report on the areas under their supervision and measures they have used in tackling/preventing land encroachment, a source said.

"They are expected to present their reports at a meeting on May 15," the source said.

It added that Paiboon and Dapong were serious about the prevention of land encroachment as available information revealed the country now had just 102 million rai of forestland.

Meanwhile, Nakhon Ratchasima Agricultural Land Reform Office's new chief Chamnan Klinchan is trying to get back to his old post in his home province of Udon Thani.

He started work in Nakhon Ratchasima last month.

"During the past month, I have been serious about investigating alleged irregularities and solving problems," Chamnan said, "But I really wish I could go back to my old post so that I can take care of my family too".

Chamnan denied reports he was seeking a transfer out of pressure from the ongoing investigations into many alleged land encroachment cases in Nakhon Ratchasima.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Officials-face-probe-over-Pak-Chong-land-grab-30259264.html


-- The Nation 2015-05-04

[clockman]

Just talk, nobody is being punished. This is what Thailand does. Just talk. They would have to build a 100 more jails at least!

[trogers]

Just talk, nobody is being punished. This is what Thailand does. Just talk. They would have to build a 100 more jails at least!

Jails don't attract tourists!

[ChrisY1]

I guess there have been a number of "serious" calls to K.Chamnan.....he wants out.....

But as mentioned.....there'll be no big names threatened in this case....and most likely, let the heat die down and all be revert to normal.

[NongKhaiKid]

Shock, Horror, Porntawee was ' slapped with an abrupt transfer order '.

Is that Civil Service talk for low profile until it all dies down ? Might depends on what and who she knows.

[halloween]

Shock, Horror, Porntawee was ' slapped with an abrupt transfer order '.

Is that Civil Service talk for low profile until it all dies down ? Might depends on what and who she knows.

No it's civil service talk for "Get your butt out of the way while the investigation is going on. And keep showing up for work elsewhere so we'll know if you're doing a runner."

[NongKhaiKid]

Shock, Horror, Porntawee was ' slapped with an abrupt transfer order '.

Is that Civil Service talk for low profile until it all dies down ? Might depends on what and who she knows.

No it's civil service talk for "Get your butt out of the way while the investigation is going on. And keep showing up for work elsewhere so we'll know if you're doing a runner."

Surely not turning up for work might indicate a runner.

[halloween]

Shock, Horror, Porntawee was ' slapped with an abrupt transfer order '.

Is that Civil Service talk for low profile until it all dies down ? Might depends on what and who she knows.

No it's civil service talk for "Get your butt out of the way while the investigation is going on. And keep showing up for work elsewhere so we'll know if you're doing a runner."

Surely not turning up for work might indicate a runner.

Just like turning up for work indicates that you are not.

[NongKhaiKid]

Shock, Horror, Porntawee was ' slapped with an abrupt transfer order '.

Is that Civil Service talk for low profile until it all dies down ? Might depends on what and who she knows.

No it's civil service talk for "Get your butt out of the way while the investigation is going on. And keep showing up for work elsewhere so we'll know if you're doing a runner."

Surely not turning up for work might indicate a runner.

Just like turning up for work indicates that you are not.

but arranging things ?

[halloween]

Just like turning up for work indicates that you are not.

but arranging things ?

At least she would have less time for preparations. Unless of course she's stupid enough to use the computer at work to book the tickets. And that's possible here.

[NongKhaiKid]

Just like turning up for work indicates that you are not.

but arranging things ?

At least she would have less time for preparations. Unless of course she's stupid enough to use the computer at work to book the tickets. And that's possible here.

Plus sending the office messenger to collect them and maybe do an ATM withdrawal too.

[rametindallas]

Without the cooperation of corrupt Civil Servants, NO ONE, no matter how wealthy or connected, would be able to misuse land or otherwise acquire land illegally. If found guilty, make the punishment so draconian that it is front page news and EVERY Civil Servant gets the message that whatever money they are being paid under-the-table to do shady land transfers is not worth the horrible punishment for getting caught as now the new government is doing surveys to see who has encroached and investigating the Civil Service to see who facilitated the crime. If the Civil Service corruption, which is the ROOT of the crime(s), is ended, the wealthy and politically connected will NOT be able to illegally obtain land again. Scare the shit out of the Civil Service and you get rid of a huge percentage of corruption in Thailand as their being 'bought' is the only way these, and other, shady deals get done. Hell, while he has the power, the General ought to just shoot a few of them if found guilty (just kidding). I hope they don't stop investigating, with emphasis on the Civil Service facilitators, until the guilty are ALL in prison on lengthy sentences with confiscations to pay back the Thai populace who were ripped off.

Edited May 4, 2015 by rametindallas

[rametindallas]

Just like turning up for work indicates that you are not.

but arranging things ?

At least she would have less time for preparations. Unless of course she's stupid enough to use the computer at work to book the tickets. And that's possible here.

Plus sending the office messenger to collect them and maybe do an ATM withdrawal too.

It is possible most of their wealth is 'tied up' in land and there isn't enough to withdraw to flee and live outside of Thailand. Since the land is still in her husband's name, they haven't yet 'cashed out' by selling to some pu yai (big man)

[halloween]

It is possible most of their wealth is 'tied up' in land and there isn't enough to withdraw to flee and live outside of Thailand. Since the land is still in her husband's name, they haven't yet 'cashed out' by selling to some pu yai (big man)

More than likely. There was no rush to convert to mobile assets because they had facilitated connected persons to join in the feast, so investigation wasn't going to happen. Then there is a new sheriff in town.........uh oh.

[scorecard]

Wants out of the Korat office because too much pressure and wants to go to the Udon from which he was outed:

- Wonder if he wants back to Udon so he can try to cover his tracks?

- He should have thought about his family a long time back.

[scorecard]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Without the cooperation of corrupt Civil Servants, NO ONE, no matter how wealthy or connected, would be able to misuse land or otherwise acquire land illegally. If found guilty, make the punishment so draconian that it is front page news and EVERY Civil Servant gets the message that whatever money they are being paid under-the-table to do shady land transfers is not worth the horrible punishment for getting caught as now the new government is doing surveys to see who has encroached and investigating the Civil Service to see who facilitated the crime. If the Civil Service corruption, which is the ROOT of the crime(s), is ended, the wealthy and politically connected will NOT be able to illegally obtain land again. Scare the shit out of the Civil Service and you get rid of a huge percentage of corruption in Thailand as their being 'bought' is the only way these, and other, shady deals get done. Hell, while he has the power, the General ought to just shoot a few of them if found guilty (just kidding). I hope they don't stop investigating, with emphasis on the Civil Service facilitators, until the guilty are ALL in prison on lengthy sentences with confiscations to pay back the Thai populace who were ripped off.

Totally agree.

And let's be realistic, even with investigations under way in a number of locations if will take years for many cases to be completed and that's partly because of brick walls which will spring up.

Plus there can be no doubt that current surveys etc., will reveal more cases of encroachment, illegal conversion of land documents etc.

It will take years, but it's now in progress. Dear general, please stay until there is a clean slate.

[Suffinator]

Last week, Porntawee was slapped with an abrupt transfer order as evidence emerged she might have helped her husband illegally claim more than 130 rai (44 acres) of land in Nakhon Ratchasima's Pak Chong district.

OK, innocent until proven innocent but yet again we see a transfer and what exactly does the transfer entail? Are they merely pulling her out of the limelight in the hope this like so many other forms of corruption can be swept under the rug?

Here's what should have happened:

1. Investigators should have uncovered sufficient and substantial evidence against here to issue an arrest warrant.

2. Accused should then be denied bail until the preliminary hearings and if her lawyers can't find hard evidence to refute the allegations then she should be held on remand until her trail.

3. If found guilty she should serve no less than 25 years in prison have all her assets confiscated by the state; including those from family members that can be attributed to the corruption.

Of course Thainess doesn't work that way ... transfer to an inactive post and then when hauled in front of the court bail is set at a paltry amount giving the accused time to liquidate / transfer assets and flee the country. Another excellent job done where someone else gets their turn at the trough.

[halloween]

Last week, Porntawee was slapped with an abrupt transfer order as evidence emerged she might have helped her husband illegally claim more than 130 rai (44 acres) of land in Nakhon Ratchasima's Pak Chong district.

OK, innocent until proven innocent but yet again we see a transfer and what exactly does the transfer entail? Are they merely pulling her out of the limelight in the hope this like so many other forms of corruption can be swept under the rug?

Here's what should have happened:

1. Investigators should have uncovered sufficient and substantial evidence against here to issue an arrest warrant.

2. Accused should then be denied bail until the preliminary hearings and if her lawyers can't find hard evidence to refute the allegations then she should be held on remand until her trail.

3. If found guilty she should serve no less than 25 years in prison have all her assets confiscated by the state; including those from family members that can be attributed to the corruption.

Of course Thainess doesn't work that way ... transfer to an inactive post and then when hauled in front of the court bail is set at a paltry amount giving the accused time to liquidate / transfer assets and flee the country. Another excellent job done where someone else gets their turn at the trough.

Her transfer is the equivalent of suspension with pay, not an unusual action where malfeasance is suspected, except that she is required to attend at another office, probably to keep track of her movements.

step 1/ is now being carried out.

Step 2/ is unusual, as evidence to refute allegations is presented at trial, not at a bail hearing. Normally what is discussed is likelihood of risk to community, flight, and witness tampering. If these risks are considered minimal, a surety will be set.

step 3/ is for a court to decide, not internet forums, though i understand the need for appropriate punishment.

asset freezing seems to be in vogue at the moment, hopefully here as well, but as RubI pointed out, it is likely most her assets would in the misappropriated land. Fat chance she would be allowed to sell it.

[billd766]

Just talk, nobody is being punished. This is what Thailand does. Just talk. They would have to build a 100 more jails at least!

Before you can punish people first you need to have enough evidence to take to the public prosecutor and the police.

If they agree that there is a case then the police dig deeper for more evidence.

If there is enough and the perpetrators get to court they are allowed to defend themselves with their lawyers.

If they are found guilty they are sentenced.

They are allowed to appeal and will probably be out on bail.

When all the appeals are exhausted then they will go to jail and be punished.

There is no justice and the steps between being accused and charged and actually going to jail take a finite time.

Nothing is instant, not even coffee.

[Fat Haggis]

It's great that these land grabs are happening, especially in Nakhon Ratchasima, and Udon Thani, it would however be even more comforting to read about similar land grabs and encroachments within Surat Thani ... you know, just to sort of balance things out a wee bit.. and not make it kind of obvious what's occurring.

I shall now stand well back in the corner, and prepare for this course of action, staunchly defended from the KADFC, citing things like "following the law", "procedures", "corruption" and also wait for the typical responses about who is to blame

[retarius]

Prediction: Bonanza will keep its racetrack and nobody will see the inside of a jail cell.

[mango66]

Shock, Horror, Porntawee was ' slapped with an abrupt transfer order '.

Is that Civil Service talk for low profile until it all dies down ? Might depends on what and who she knows.

I think they found, that some otrher rpovinces have still too much gvt forest land,

so they will need her profession to reduce this forest to usefull land !!

Jobs for many people !!

[halloween]

It's great that these land grabs are happening, especially in Nakhon Ratchasima, and Udon Thani, it would however be even more comforting to read about similar land grabs and encroachments within Surat Thani ... you know, just to sort of balance things out a wee bit.. and not make it kind of obvious what's occurring.

I shall now stand well back in the corner, and prepare for this course of action, staunchly defended from the KADFC, citing things like "following the law", "procedures", "corruption" and also wait for the typical responses about who is to blame

You're in favour of land grabs? Curiouser and curiouser. Last week there was a Democrat ex-MP being prosecuted, and this lot don't have any political affiliation mentioned, so why do they need to head to Surat Thani to balance things? Should I accuse you of having Suthep tunnel vision?

[Fat Haggis]

It's great that these land grabs are happening, especially in Nakhon Ratchasima, and Udon Thani, it would however be even more comforting to read about similar land grabs and encroachments within Surat Thani ... you know, just to sort of balance things out a wee bit.. and not make it kind of obvious what's occurring.

I shall now stand well back in the corner, and prepare for this course of action, staunchly defended from the KADFC, citing things like "following the law", "procedures", "corruption" and also wait for the typical responses about who is to blame

You're in favour of land grabs? Curiouser and curiouser. Last week there was a Democrat ex-MP being prosecuted, and this lot don't have any political affiliation mentioned, so why do they need to head to Surat Thani to balance things? Should I accuse you of having Suthep tunnel vision?

I just realised what I had written, I actually meant them being reclaimed... my bad

So no, not in favour of any land grabbing or encroachment whether it be in a National Park or a beach, of which it's well known that Koh Tao has many properties encroaching... I wonder when they will be reclaimed, and those responsible brought to account ?