Article 44 implemented to solve land holding issue in forest: MNRE Minister

BANGKOK, 8 July 2016 (NNT) – The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment has affirmed the Prime Minister's use of Article 44, that it is aimed at solving a legal loophole, which allows improper usage of forest area for commercial reasons. The Agricultural Land Reform Office will also be allocating land to the ministry for forest restoration efforts.

Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Gen Surasak Karnjanarat has commented on Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha’s recent order to exercise the power of Article 44 of the interim constitution to solve the improper land holding and usage in Phu Tubberk Forest in Phetchabun Province mandating all improper resort and accommodation constructions to be removed, saying that this order will fix legal loopholes which allow improper forest land usage from occurring.

He has said the government is required to take this approach as owners of buildings refuse to remove their constructions despite court order.

The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security will also be designing the land usage scheme for 47,000 rais of retrieved land, to ensure proper land allocation and usage in the future.

The implementation of Article 44 has put and end to the complex land regulation of Phu Tubberk Forest which took place since 1964, and will protect officials who have been working with righteousness.

The MNRE Minister has further said the Ministry is also prepared to receive land from the Agricultural Land Reform Office. The land allocated under the ministry will be utilized in the restoration effort of deteriorated forest, restoring fertility to the soil.


-- NNT 2016-07-08

I hope his article 44 big stick has rechargeable batteries because it is certainly getting a workout.

Wonder if once the elections take place, the elected PM will also get such a tool. Not that tool, the other one.

Elections. Sorry, just having a laugh this Friday morning.

I hope his article 44 big stick has rechargeable batteries because it is certainly getting a workout.

Wonder if once the elections take place, the elected PM will also get such a tool. Not that tool, the other one.

Elections. Sorry, just having a laugh this Friday morning.

Yes, the confusion of "L's" & "R's" in Asian language. E"L"ections be damned!!!

I hope his article 44 big stick has rechargeable batteries because it is certainly getting a workout.

Wonder if once the elections take place, the elected PM will also get such a tool. Not that tool, the other one.

Elections. Sorry, just having a laugh this Friday morning.

Yes, it seems very effective, rooting out the protected grubs, who for many years have been grabbing national parks with total immunity from prosecution.

Are they doing anything to stop the new land grabs going on all over the country right now? Kaeng Krachan, Chantaburi, Prachuap Kiri Khan, Khao Yai, Saraburi, Krabi, to name just a few. All over the place resorts are springing up on beaches, mountainsides and valleys where land is being taken over by rich people for personal gain. I often see the wealthy in their black SUVs out surveying for new land to grab in the remotest areas. Good for correcting some of the historic abuses but lets also curb those yet to happen.