3000 rai without titles

Samui Community October 15 2006

Land seizures begin

The Chief of the investigation into forest encroachments on Samui, khun Thanee Wiriyaratanaporn recently announced that out of 23,546 rai included in the survey, over 3000 rai was found to be lacking legitimate land titles. Some 239 ownership disputes have resulted from the enquiry, including many cases involving local farmers who are using untitled land for crops such as fruit trees and vegetable cultivation.

Land–grabbing probes to go on, says new chief.

Source: Samui Express - 3 November 2006

More encroachment complaints filed

The new deputy director of the Forestry Depatrtment said investigations related to the land encroachment issue would be relentlessly persued under the new dispensation.

'The forestry Deparrtment will continue its mission. Land and related property projects will be examined as had been the policy of the previous leadership', said Thani Viriyarattanaporn, who replaced Yongyuth Tiyaphiarat after the Sept. 19 coup.

Kbank launches escrow service for home-buyers 

Published: The Nation 29 September 2009

Kasikornbank launched its escrow-agent business by signing contracts with six property developers yesterday to provide an escrow account service, which will benefit home-buyers. The six property firms are Kanda Decor Co, Chaream Nakorn Co, Suetrong Group Co, Tararom Enterprises, Thanasiri Group, and Supalai. The bank is targeting at least 1,000 customers, KBank senior executive vice president Preedee Daochai said. This will be the first use of the Escrow Account Act after it became effective on May 20, 2008. 

IIlegal land deals, title deeds on Samui issued unlawfully

Source: Bangkokpost - 21 July 2006

Firm to be sued for illegal land deals. Title deed on Samui issued unlawfully.

SUPAPHONG CHAOLAN

A panel investigating the issuing of land documents on Koh Samui is preparing legal action against a company for alleged illegal acquisition of land on the tourist island. Sunthorn Watcharakuldirok, director of the Forestry Department's forest protection and suppression division, who heads the inquiry, said they had finished compiling documentary evidence relating to the occupation of a 96 rai block of land on Khao Duang Nok mountain.

Pha-Ngan official warns not to sell land to foreign

Samui used as an example of how to destroy island environment by excessive development

Source: The Nation July 24 2006

Villagers on the island of Koh Pha-Ngan have been urged by a provincial official to help promote eco-tourism and keep their land out of the hands of foreigners. Thawatchai Terdphaothai, the deputy governor of Surat Thani province, said yesterday he did not want to see Koh Pha-Ngan face the same fate as neighbouring Koh Samui, where land rights have been sold to foreign investors and the natural environment has been ruined by tourism.

Thawatchai asked Koh Pha-Ngan villagers to learn from the recent case of (alleged) illegal land sales on Koh Samui involving foreigners.

KOH SAMUI LAND PROBE

Findings reveal less than half of land legally bought

Source: The Nation - 20 July 2006

Preliminary findings of a Koh Samui land probe have concluded that less than half of a disputed tract had been legally purchased. The fate of the controversial plot on the island's north coast is in limbo. Developer Samui Property Solutions Co Ltd is offering the land for sale.