Court in Buriram: Disputed land titles must be cleared!

Court in Buriram: Disputed land titles must be cleared!

In Buriram province, more specifically in the Khao Kradong region, legal battles are at stake in a heated land dispute between the Thai Railway Authority and two property owners. On October 7, 2568, a court in Buriram issued a ruling revoking two disputed land titles, an issue of strong public debate. This decision is based on a lawsuit filed by the railway authority to reclaim title to land it considers to be illegally occupied. As today.line.me reports, the defendants claim they have legal title to the properties.

The judgment includes the withdrawal of the title number 120612 and the certificate of use (น.ส.3) number 424, both of which are located in the municipality of Samet, not far from the railway line between kilometers 6 and 7, i.e. a maximum of 90 meters from the tracks. The affected properties must now be vacated and a monthly compensation of 3,268 baht has also been set until full eviction.

Who is behind the properties?

The affected properties previously belonged to Ms. Karuna Chidchob, the wife of Nevin Chidchob, the president of the Buriram United football club. What is interesting is that the National Anti-Corruption Commission had already found in 2011 that the title deeds for these areas were drawn up unlawfully, which further calls into question the claims of the defendants. According to isranews.org, on September 29, 2025, a motion to file suit was filed by the Governor of Thai Railway signed to reclaim the land classified as part of the railway property in a 1919 royal decree.

However, despite the legal action, the railway authority is facing a problem: it has not yet been able to provide sufficient documents and maps to justify its claim to the land. This raises significant doubts about the legitimacy of the state's claims, the report notes.

Railway law and factories – a complex interaction

The legal disputes are far from over and could have far-reaching consequences. Thailand has strict regulations that govern the construction and use of land. According to thailandanwalt.com, property owners and developers must adhere to the Thai Building Control Law, which is intended not only to ensure public safety but also sets clear standards for the construction of residential buildings, commercial buildings and industrial facilities. Therefore, the future use of the land could also be affected if the railway authority is able to substantiate the legal claim to the land.

The current situation highlights the challenges and tensions that exist in Thailand regarding land use and property rights. It will be exciting to see how the legal currents develop in this matter and what role the various actors will play.