NACC Targets 3 Forest Land Title Deed Scams in Phetchabun
The NACC has issued severe disciplinary and criminal charges against former officials involved in unlawfully issuing title deeds across 69 rai of forest land.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- NACC targets 3 corruption cases involving unlawful forest land title deeds
- Affected areas span 12 plots covering over 69 rai in protected forests
- Severe disciplinary and criminal charges filed against former survey director
- Legal actions underway to revoke unlawful titles and charge accomplices
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has officially announced its resolution regarding three separate corruption cases involving state officials who allegedly issued unlawful land title deeds inside reserved forest areas in Khao Kho and Pak Chong districts, affecting 12 plots totaling over 69 rai. The agency is now coordinating with the court to formally revoke these documents.
The press conference was held on August 25, 2026, at the NACC headquarters. Mr. Mongkol Srisawang, Director of the Security and Natural Resources Corruption Investigation Division, delivered the detailed findings to the public regarding the systematic exploitation of natural resource management.
According to the investigation, the illicit operations originated from a Ministry of Interior accelerated land titling project for the fiscal year 2011, which covered 10 districts in Phetchabun province, including tambon Campson in Khao Kho district, where survey teams from the Department of Lands were deployed.
Unlawful land titling in mountainous and protected forest zones remains a critical structural challenge in Thailand. The exploitation of state acceleration programs to privatize public woodland undermines watershed conservation efforts. By targeting high-ranking officials and local advisors, the NACC's recent resolution highlights an intensified crackdown on systemic land corruption that threatens Thailand's ecological stability.
The primary accused official facing both criminal charges and severe disciplinary action is Mr. Anek Luangthongkam, former Director of the Phitsanulok-Phetchabun-Nakhon Sawan-Phichit Land Titling Survey Center, along with several accomplices.
Additionally, the NACC found criminal grounds to charge two supporting individuals: Mr. Sarayuth Guaytha, former advisor to the President of the Phetchabun Provincial Administrative Organization, and Mr. Bopit Amarapibal, former Phetchabun Agrarian Reform Officer.
The scandal traces back to 2011 when land survey teams were dispatched under the government scheme. However, irregularities were soon uncovered during the surveying process in Village No. 7, tambon Campson.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Investigators discovered that the physical measurements and mapping processes violated environmental regulations, leading to the unauthorized conversion of forested mountain slopes into private ownership before the widespread discrepancies were exposed.
Source: Khaosod Politics
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