Breaking cycle of forest land grabs

Reports of unlawful sales persist despite tech advances, writes Apinya Wipatayotin

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Thailand’s efforts to address landlessness among its population has been a priority for multiple administrations. One key strategy has been allocating forest land to those in need. However, a significant portion ofbeneficiaries reside in forest zones classified as state-owned property, creating challenges in balancing land distribution with environmental conservation.

LAND ALLOCATION POLICIES

In 1975, the government introduced the Agricultural Land Reform Act in response to farmers advocating for a democratic system under military rule.

This legislation aimed to allocate land to impoverished farmers, and over the years, millions of rai of forest land have been distributed. However, the issue persists due to illegal land transfers. Many recipients have unlawfully sold their allocated land to outsiders, leading to further forest encroachment and a continued decline in fertile forest areas.

Recognising these challenges, the former Prayut Chan-o-cha administration established the National Land Policy Committee Office (NLPC) in 2021 as the key agency responsible for land allocation to the underprivileged. To curb illegal transfers, the government adopted a community-based land ownership model, rather than granting individual ownership.

Under this system, local administrative organisations compile a list of eligible recipients, ensuring land rights remain collective rather than personal. This approach was expected to prevent illegal land sales and preserve forested areas.

Despite these preventive measures, reports of unauthorised land sales under the NLPC’s jurisdiction have raised concerns about the office's effectiveness. In Chachoengsao province, over 143 rai of allocated land has been illegally transferred, with another 46 rai in Chanthaburi facing similar violations.