Photo: Police Sub-Lieutenant Santhiti Thamjai, Deputy Governor of Nakhon Nayok Province
The Deputy Governor of Nakhon Nayok has ordered an urgent investigation into the "state land sale contract" bearing the village headman's name in documents linked to "Got Atip." A 7-day deadline has been set for the Ban Na district chief to gather information. If violations are confirmed, disciplinary and criminal actions will be pursued.
Following the case exposed by the popular CSI LA page accusing "Got Atip Anantawan," husband of well-known TV host and Good Deeds Foundation chairwoman Boom Panadda Wongphudee, of encroaching over 100 rai of protected forest land to build a resort and trail running course in Moo 9, Sri Ka Ang subdistrict, Ban Na district, Nakhon Nayok, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment dispatched a special task force to inspect the area. They found it to be state land under the Treasury Department's authority, managed by the Army, not national reserved forest as previously reported.
On 28 Oct 2023 GMT+7, Police Sub-Lieutenant Santhiti Thamjai, Deputy Governor of Nakhon Nayok, along with Mrs. Jiraporn Kingsida, Ban Na district chief, and officials from the Treasury Department, jointly clarified that the provincial governor assigned the Ban Na district chief to urgently verify facts regarding land ownership rights and sales documents listing the village headman of Sri Ka Ang subdistrict within seven days, to report back to the province.
At present, it remains unclear whether the documents are genuine. Therefore, related parties—including buyers, sellers, and the named village headman—will be summoned to provide information. The investigation will trace the land's ownership history from the beginning, examine transfers, and determine whether possession rights are lawful.
Regarding the land encroachment, the status of the land and supporting evidence must be considered. The area is state land reserved for military use, directly managed by the 12th Military Circle (M.T.B.12), which is the agency responsible for taking action as the directly affected party. Meanwhile, the province is tasked with maintaining order and protecting state land. If violations are found and the affected agency does not act, the province may proceed with legal charges as per regulations.
Concerning the village headman's name appearing in the documents, it must first be determined whether he is involved in any wrongdoing, including intent and conduct. If evidence shows participation in illegal acts, both criminal and disciplinary actions under relevant laws will be considered. However, no conclusions about any individual's guilt have been reached yet, as fairness to all parties is essential.
Mrs. Jiraporn Kingsida, Ban Na district chief, revealed that she had not previously questioned the village headman in depth. After receiving orders from superiors, she will expedite fact-finding and gather complete evidence within the set timeframe. She affirmed that all related issues will be investigated impartially and stated that investigation details cannot yet be disclosed.
When asked whether the village headman of Sri Ka Ang subdistrict can currently be contacted, the district chief said the reason for the inability to reach him is unknown and added that the matter might need to be clarified directly with the village headman.
Regarding whether the village headman had discussed or provided information about the documents before the news surfaced, the Ban Na district chief confirmed there had been no such discussions. He reserved details about the investigation approach to ensure neutrality and fairness to all parties during the inquiry.
Officials from the Treasury Department explained that the land is reserved for military use by royal decree. Therefore, allocating or leasing the land to civilians for residence or cultivation must be reviewed based on land status and require approval from the military agency controlling the land.
Nakhon Nayok province is currently compiling data and maps to zone land use, separating areas essential for military duties from those potentially available for civilian use under the law. However, this process is still under consideration and does not imply automatic rights or leases for current occupants.