Two committee members and nine others visited the island. Their investigation was precipitated by a formal complaint to the sub-committee last year from Res. Lt. (JG) Yuthana Jantdee, who requested inquiry into arrangements surrounding issuance of property title and similar documents on the island. Barami and Jakrapongs met with five persons representing local people there: Res. Lt. (JG) Yuthana, Sarit Jantdee, Pramot Chokekeua, Dani Pujarern and Chuchat Jailek.
Yuthana, who headed the group, said 31 other locals joined him in demanding the investigation. “We asked that operations by the Phuket Provincial Land Office be investigated, and that officials find a way to issue chanote title deeds to local citizenry.”
He noted that in 1998 two large parcels on the island were advertised for sale in the newspaper Khao Sod: one, offered by the Chaisuk Co Ltd, covered around 48 rai, with a supporting Nor Sor 3 document, the latter upgraded from a Sor Kor 1.
Yuthana explained that Phuket’s governor at the time approved the upgrade in 1976 as shown in the document requesting issuance of a chanote title in 2009.
“After the survey was performed, it was certified that the parcel was neither crown property nor common land. A map with dimensions measured from the centre showed it did not infringe on adjacent properties, public lands or protected areas. Notice was therefore posted that chanote title would be issued in 30 days and, as no dispute was made, the property was registered.”
As for the other piece offered for sale in Khao Sod, “The Provincial Office decided documents on the 99-rai parcel should be revoked – yet, presently, the parcel has been divided into five plots and, somehow, chanotes issued,” Yuthana said.
“That was done despite the fact that both the provincial Land Office and the central government Land Department always have had standing orders to disallow requests for issuance of chanotes from local people.”
“The Land Act forbids issuance of chanotes on island property. That notwithstanding, both the provincial Land Office and the Land Department have issued title documents to such large investors as Mrs Supanee Akakacha; Rayaburi Group Co Ltd; Chaisook Co Ltd; Thanachoti Co Ltd; Chotithana Co Ltd; and Boonsong Srifeuangfoong.”
Yuthana said complaints have been filed in the past with various offices, including the Prime Minister’s Office, but “did not achieve the results it should have from the relevant officials and government agencies”.
It was not reported whether the sub-committee members were considering further investigation or would prefer charges against any of those named by Res. Lt. (JG) Yuthana.
– Source: Matichon