NACC submits four proposals to the cabinet to handle misuse of Sor Por Kor land
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has prepared proposals in four areas to submit to the cabinet to address the misuse of land in the land reform areas with Land Usufruct Certificate (ALRO 4-01) (Sor Por Kor certificates), which remains an ongoing issue and is often associated with misconduct by government officials in the approval and permit processes involved.
The Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC Office) has studied the situation, analyzed the problems, and formulated proposals for the cabinet to ensure that the allocation and utilisation of Sor Por Kor land are within a fair and transparent framework in line with the law’s intent. The cabinet acknowledged these proposals earlier this month.
Ms. Thitiworada Ekbongkotkul, Bureau of Corruption Barometer at the NACC Office, said the NACC’s proposals comprise four areas, which are policy, legal measures, management, and communications and citizen participation, all of which originate from an assessment of the actual situation on the ground.
“The NACC has proposed that the cabinet consider assigning relevant agencies to carry out tasks in various areas. For example, the National Land Policy Board should examine the feasibility and management guidelines for certain encroached lands, which are areas unsuitable for agriculture or involve operations that support or are related to land encroachment for agricultural purposes, and convert them into other types of land that are more appropriate,” said Ms. Thitiworada.
Additionally, the NACC believes that local organisations should play a greater role in monitoring and overseeing the use of Sor Por Kor land, as they are already in the area and directly involved with local tax revenues. This should be done without allowing monopolisation and with benefits intended primarily for farmers. Therefore, local organisations should promptly develop a modern and verifiable beneficiary database system and set appropriate usage periods according to the type of usage.
"Another part of the proposal suggests that local administrative organisations should take part in monitoring the utilization of licensed businesses. This is because they are spread across all areas and have a vested interest in collecting revenue from land and building taxes, as well as other local fees from operators in their areas. Therefore, it is desired that they also be involved in the oversight process."
The Director of the Bureau of Corruption Barometer stated that the ultimate goal of the NACC is to see transparent land management for Sor Por Kor land, ensuring fairness for all parties, especially legally entitled farmers. It involves systematic integration of data among government agencies, reducing redundancy and conflicts regarding land rights, while maintaining the key objective of genuinely providing farmland for farmers."
