Police Commander Anek of the Department of Special Investigation revealed that Wat Pa Chana Jai clearly encroached because ALRO land is allocated solely for villagers' agricultural use. Even if villagers have indeed relinquished their rights, the land cannot be sold or transferred and must revert to ALRO ownership only.
Following the case where officers from the Department of Special Investigation, the Anti-Corruption Division, the Special Crime Division, the Royal Forest Department, ALRO, and the National Anti-Corruption Commission in Saraburi province executed search warrants at four locations within Wat Pa Chana Jai yesterday.
At 16:00 on 19 Feb 2026 GMT+7, Police Major General Anek Tawsupap, Commander of the Department of Special Investigation, disclosed by phone regarding Wat Pa Chana Jai that the inspections covered four sites: 1. Wat Pa Chana Jai, 2. Ariya Village of Wat Pa Chana Jai, 3. International Buddhist Meditation Center, and 4. Pha Chana Jai, all located in Nong Yang Suea Subdistrict, Muak Lek District, Saraburi province. Officials from the Royal Forest Department and ALRO surveyed these sites and found clear encroachment and clearing, violating laws enforced by both agencies.
Commander Anek added that the inspections at Wat Pa Chana Jai and the other three sites revealed encroachment involving the construction of residences on a total of 13 rai within ALRO land spanning 2,000 rai. Previously, ALRO allocated this land to villagers strictly for agricultural use. It cannot be sold or transferred; if villagers cease farming, the land must be returned solely to ALRO.
The commander further explained that the temple's acquisition of land from villagers is illegal under both forest laws and ALRO regulations, regardless of circumstances. Especially regarding areas on the mountain that were never allocated by ALRO for farming, encroachment is strictly prohibited. Authorities are currently investigating the source of funds the temple used to purchase this land.
"At present, investigators from the Department of Special Investigation are awaiting the Royal Forest Department and ALRO to compile all evidence to file charges. It is expected that the complaint will be officially filed and legal action initiated next week."