Villagers in Phetchaburi Province are seeking justice after their land was encroached upon by a road built without their consent, hoping central officials will come to investigate.
Residents filed complaints with the media regarding land in the Huai Mae Phrieng Royal Project area, Ban Dan Ngo, Huai Mae Phrieng Subdistrict, Kaeng Krachan District, Phetchaburi Province, where a road was cut through without permission.
Chotinan Tharanyarat, residing at house number 165, Village 5, Soi 10, Huai Mae Phrieng Royal Project, Ban Dan Ngo, Huai Mae Phrieng Subdistrict, Kaeng Krachan District, Phetchaburi, said he has lived there since 1995 and has farmed the land continuously. Meanwhile, surrounding areas have seen gradual arrival of investors, although this area is part of the Royal Project. The holders of this land have no official title deeds but possess agricultural land rights, with Chotinan currently holding 14 rai.
Originally, the area where the road was cut bordered a neighbor’s land, but then a road began to be cut through. Local officials claimed that consent had been given for the road, but in reality, no consent was signed. Later, they found a document dated 14 Sept 2022 referencing a public agreement for Soi 10, stating consent was given for an 8-meter-wide public road without any compensation claims.
We did not sign that consent document, but since they considered us villagers, they pressured us to give up the land. About two weeks later, they brought vehicles to cut trees to build the road immediately. Since then, we have continuously filed complaints locally and to the Phetchaburi authorities, but there has been no progress.
The road made on the land is about 100 meters long. Initially, there was a meeting called, but I refused to attend. Eventually, many community leaders and officials came. The road commonly used in the community was originally on a neighbor’s land, but because that neighbor had influence, they brought in tractors to block the path and then encroached by building a road on my land.
After the unauthorized road construction, problems arose such as poisoning of dogs in the garden and frequent thefts. I live alone without relatives nearby.
I want to appeal to central government agencies to look into the problems in this area. We are just ordinary villagers without influence, and I want a full investigation of the land. This area is part of the Royal Project and should not have loud music during holidays.
Chotinan added that after the road was cut through his land, neighbors began driving fast, resulting in the death of a puppy he raised, named “Khem,” about nine months old. He reported this to the Watchdog Thailand Foundation (WDT), who took the complaint. The puppy tragically died after being hit by a vehicle.
This incident may constitute animal cruelty, and a thorough investigation is needed to ensure fairness for all parties. Information has been sent to relevant agencies for fact-checking and legal procedures.
These issues reflect injustices faced by residents and land use by investors. We want relevant government agencies to investigate the matter promptly.
