Police officers from the Anti-Corruption Division (ACD) of the Central Investigation Bureau have launched an investigation into the issuance of 33 title deeds covering a total of 400 rai on Koh Rap, Surat Thani. This comes as the island is set to become part of the Hat Khanom-Mu Koh Thale Tai National Park. Government officials, including officers from various agencies, conducted inspections of land ownership documents from restaurants, hotels, and tourism businesses on the island to verify the validity of their title deeds.
Some business owners presented lease contracts for temple land, which allowed them to rent the land for three years at a monthly fee of 2,000 baht, with options for renewal. Acting chief of Crime Suppression Division 5, Police Colonel Somsak Niamlek, highlighted the importance of the investigation in light of Koh Rap’s inclusion in the proposed national park. Over the past few years, title deeds have been issued for 33 plots on the island, covering more than 400 rai. The investigation seeks to ascertain the legitimacy of these deeds.
“To determine whether the issuance of the title deeds was legal, we need all the evidence, including land ownership documents or Sor Kor 1, and land occupation papers or Nor Sor 3. We will also utilize aerial photographs from each year, dating back to 1955 until the date each title deed was issued,” stated Pol. Col. Somsak.
Koh Rap, situated off Koh Samui in Surat Thani, is approximately 8 kilometers from the mainland of Khanom district in Nakhon Si Thammarat. It is slated to be incorporated into Hat Khanom-Mu Koh Thale Tai National Park. Permsak Kongkaew, Director of Nakhon Si Thammarat’s Conservation Area Management Office 5, mentioned that his staff is currently investigating the matter. Should any title deeds be found to have been incorrectly issued, the land will be seized, the deeds revoked, and violators prosecuted, as reported by Bangkok Post.
Wimolmat Nuiphakdee, Head of Hat Khanom-Mu Koh Thale Tai National Park, emphasized that 34 years have passed without the area being officially designated as part of the national park. Initially covering 197,614 rai, the park has lost 71,797 rai of prepared land over the years due to overlapping contested areas. “We will work extremely hard to find a way to protect the remaining land, even if it is a difficult and challenging task to handle,” stated Wimolmat.
Subheadings:
Investigation Progress
The investigation into the land deeds on Koh Rap is making progress as police officers from the Anti-Corruption Division delve deeper into the validity of the title deeds issued for the island.
Challenges Faced
Challenges have arisen in the process of designating Koh Rap as part of the Hat Khanom-Mu Koh Thale Tai National Park, with overlapping contested areas leading to the loss of prepared land over the years.
Protecting the Environment
Efforts are being made to protect the remaining land on Koh Rap and preserve the natural environment as plans for the national park move forward.