The DSI spokesperson acknowledged that the Department of Special Investigation has ended its inquiry into the Khao Kradong land case, which has been removed from special cases after seven months of investigation. This is because the Anti-Corruption Police are conducting a parallel investigation on the same issue and have forwarded the case to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) for further legal proceedings under the NACC Act, which will consider action against government officials involved.
In the case, Pol. Col. Yutthana Praedam, Director-General of the Department of Special Investigation, assigned Pol. Col. Natthaphon Disayatham, Director of the Natural Resources and Environment Case Division, to investigate complaints concerning possession and issuance of land title deeds in the Khao Kradong area, Buriram province. The land is potentially state property and involves multiple parties. This investigation was registered as case number 97/2568, with instructions to interview related witnesses, gather and verify evidence, and coordinate with relevant agencies.
Subsequently, internal reports from the National Anti-Corruption Commission revealed that the NACC had received the case file regarding encroachment on Khao Kradong land in Isan and Samet Subdistricts, Mueang District, Buriram province. Previously, representatives from the State Railway of Thailand had filed complaints requesting the DSI to investigate groups illegally occupying Khao Kradong land, which includes 4,414 rai within railway property boundaries. However, after a prolonged seven-month investigation, on 24 July 2025 GMT+7, the DSI decided not to classify the Khao Kradong land encroachment as a special case.
Most recently, on 15 March 2026 GMT+7, Pol. Col. Waranan Srilam, Director of the Consumer Protection Case Division and DSI spokesperson, stated that the DSI had taken on the investigation after complaints were filed against government officials accused of misconduct, neglect of duty, and abuse of authority related to the issuance of land title deeds. This also involved the committee and personnel investigating under Section 61 of the Land Code, as directed by the Director-General of the Department of Lands.
However, during the DSI investigation, inquiries with the Royal Thai Police revealed that the Anti-Corruption Police Division (ACPD) was conducting a related investigation into the same matter, based on similar complaints. The ACPD had forwarded their case file to the NACC to begin fact-finding proceedings. Under the Anti-Corruption Act B.E. 2561 (2018), it is legally required that any matter the DSI investigates concurrently must be submitted to the NACC for joint review. The DSI's case file sent to the NACC included facts and allegations, mainly concerning misconduct by government officials as reported by complainants.
Currently, the DSI has ceased its investigation due to legal reasons. The constitution clearly assigns the authority to prosecute government officials to the NACC, making further DSI involvement inappropriate.
Pol. Col. Waranan added that administrative and civil cases remain pending. Previously, the Director-General of the Department of Lands appointed a committee to investigate under Section 61 of the Land Code due to a civil lawsuit seeking revocation of land titles between the Department of Lands and the State Railway of Thailand. Following a court ruling, the Department of Lands was ordered to establish this committee to decide whether to revoke the land titles. However, the committee decided against revocation, leading to a lawsuit challenging that decision. Consequently, administrative court cases and civil disputes involving citizens and government agencies continue. The DSI believes this information is valuable and has forwarded it to the Buriram governor and local authorities for ongoing action.