The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) issued a statement affirming that the “Khao Kradong land” case is not yet resolved and that the matter has been sent to the courts and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) for proceedings under relevant laws.
On 16 Mar 2025 GMT+7, the Department of Special Investigation distributed a statement addressing reports circulating on social media alleging that the DSI had ceased its investigation into the Khao Kradong land case. This led to public misunderstanding that the process was complete and no legal action would be taken against those involved.
The DSI clarified that two citizens filed complaints accusing state officials, particularly a committee established under Section 61 of the Land Code, of failing to revoke private land title deeds that overlap with land boundaries defined by the Royal Decree dated 25 Nov 1921 GMT+7, which specifies the route for the royal railway from Nakhon Ratchasima to Ubon Ratchathani. The Supreme Court has ruled that this land belongs to the state. The complaint asserts that the officials' actions were unlawful and requests the DSI to revoke the land title deeds and prosecute those responsible.
The DSI's Natural Resources and Environment Division has accepted the case under investigation file number 97/2568. It has collected court rulings, opinions from the Council of State, data from the Buriram Land Office, information from related agencies, and conducted field investigations. Coordination with the Anti-Corruption Division revealed that over 18 cases—civil, criminal, and administrative—have been filed in courts. Several civil cases have reached final Supreme Court judgments, leading to administrative lawsuits. The Administrative Court ruled that the Land Department must establish a committee under Section 61 of the Land Code to consider revoking the land title deeds. The Land Department formed this committee, which decided not to revoke the deeds for 995 plots in the area, prompting another administrative lawsuit.
Regarding accusations against state officials, complaints against the Section 61 committee members have been filed with both the DSI and the Anti-Corruption Division. The latter forwarded the matter to the National Anti-Corruption Commission for investigation under the Anti-Corruption Act of 2018. This aligns with information the NACC previously shared with the media. Therefore, the DSI has also sent the case to the NACC to consolidate proceedings under the Anti-Corruption Act.
Concerning the issue of state land encroachment, Section 30 of the Anti-Corruption Act authorizes the NACC to adjudicate related matters and exercise its duties and powers accordingly. Should the NACC reach any resolutions or request assistance from the DSI to proceed under the Act, the DSI is willing and prepared to support such actions. Additionally, since several related cases are currently before the courts, the DSI has forwarded its investigation results to relevant agencies to aid in litigation and protect state interests according to each agency’s authority and responsibilities.
Therefore, based on these facts, the case is not one in which all proceedings related to Khao Kradong have been terminated as the public might believe. Rather, the matter is continuing under applicable legal frameworks. The DSI emphasizes this clarification to inform the public. The DSI remains committed to preventing, suppressing, investigating, and inquiring into special cases under the Special Case Investigation Act and upholding the rule of law in all respects.