The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is expanding its probe into the encroachment of more than 2,000 rai in the Phu Khikai forest reserve in Phetchabun, with a focus on possible violations of the foreign business law.
DSI director-general Paisit Wongmuang said officers are examining the use of Thai nominees related to the wrongful use of land in the forest reserve area between Lom Kao district and Lom Sak district.
The move follows the Land Department's decision to revoke land title deeds for 57 plots covering a total of 2,195 rai, he said.
The revocation of the land ownership documents is based on the DSI's inquiry into the alleged encroachment and evidence that the disputed areas are part of the forest reserve where land titles cannot be issued.
Pol Col Paisit said the DSI has also submitted a report to the Office of Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) against officials implicated in the wrongful issuance of land ownership documents so it can take further action.
Meanwhile, the provincial land reform committee in Nakhon Ratchasima yesterday threw out a request by the operator of Flora Park to continue its use of the land, which is part of the agricultural land reform programme.
Surachai Yuthchana, chief of provincial land reform, said the operator of Flora Park has 30 days to move out and return the land to the Agricultural Land Reform Office (Alro).
However, he admitted the business operator could appeal against the panel's order at the Administrative Court.
Flora Park covers 103 rai in Nakhon Ratchasima's Wang Nam Khieo district. It is located on Sor Por Kor land exclusively reserved for poor farmers.
The plot is believed to have been occupied illegally since 2011.
