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Koh Chang encroachment case
- May 1, 2005
Disputed plots found with fake title deeds
The Department of Special
Investigation (DSI) will launch a full probe into a land encroachment case
on Koh Chang in Trat after it found there was credible evidence to prosecute
the encroachers.
Justice Minister Suwat Liptapanlop said more than 100 rai of land on Koh
Chang island was encroached on a few years ago by private companies after
the government announced it would promote the island as a top tourist
destination. He said the government's special organisation to develop the
island has requested the DSI look into the case because it could not build a
naval combat memorial on a site as planned.
''Many private companies have claimed that they have the title deeds for the
area despite it being public land,'' said Mr Suwat who chaired the DSI
meeting.
The encroached areas include beaches, mangrove forests and mountainous
areas.
The DSI found that the disputed plots had fake title deeds. A provincial
official said that more public land was being encroached on as private
individuals and companies expected land prices to rocket after the island
was fully developed.
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