“Akranun” urges Kanchanaburi residents to protect their homeland, fearing foreign investors are buying up land and destroying natural resources.
On 10 July 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Akranun Kankittinan, Deputy Minister of Education, posted on his personal Facebook to communicate and send a warning to fellow citizens and all sectors in Kanchanaburi province. He called for united efforts to protect natural resources and local interests after reports indicated unusual activity over recent weeks from foreign investors and investment groups who have been continuously buying land in various areas of the province. This could lead to large-scale development projects that negatively affect the environment, community lifestyles, and residents’ quality of life if allowed to proceed without strict oversight.
Mr. Akranun stated that Kanchanaburi province is remarkable and immensely valuable in terms of nature, history, archaeology, and geography, representing an important heritage passed from ancestors to the current generation. Therefore, decisions or exploitation by any investment groups should not destroy these precious resources. He called on the provincial governor, the Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO), local administrative organizations (LAOs), as well as village chiefs, community leaders, and local leaders at all levels to act as vigilant monitors closely following these investment groups' activities. He emphasized that all leaders must stand alongside the people because political positions are temporary, but the land, forests, and vital rivers of Kanchanaburi will remain a heritage for descendants for many generations to come.
“Development of the province is positive and supported by all parties, but it must be conducted with transparency, responsibility, and genuine public consultation. We should not trade the invaluable resources of our homeland for short-term gains benefiting only a few groups. The future of Kanchanaburi depends on our decisions to protect this land today because, in truth, we borrow this land from our children, not just inherit it from our ancestors to use up,” Mr. Akranun concluded.
The reporter added that following the Deputy Minister of Education’s post going viral online, there has been a wave of public awareness among Kanchanaburi residents and Facebook users. Many have expressed praise and shared the message widely. The majority voiced agreement and support for the idea of jointly cherishing and protecting their homeland. They also called on local government agencies to promptly establish committees to transparently investigate land transactions and planned development projects by investment groups, aiming to preserve the environmental integrity and natural heritage of Kanchanaburi province for future generations.