NACC finds evidence in encroachment on Sor Por Kor and protected forest land in Chachoengsao
The Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission’s Chachoengsao Provincial Office (NACC Chachoengsao Office) is intensifying its follow-up and investigation efforts, integrating government agencies and the public sector, in two cases of land allocated under the Agricultural Land Reform Act (Sor Por Kor) and national forest reserve areas, finding evidence of illegal encroachment and misuse was found.
Following earlier inspection by the NACC Chachoengsao Office in collaboration with relevant agencies on February 26, 2026, regarding the encroachment on the two locations, a follow-up investigation was conducted on March 6, 2026, to thoroughly examine and uncover the facts surrounding the illegal encroachment and misuse led by Mr. Hiran Chaikanya, Director of the NACC Chachoengsao Office, and in collaboration with 20 agencies from the government and the public sectors.
At the first location, the operation found credible evidence suggesting illegal sand excavation from a Sor Por Kor land to other areas. The land's condition was altered, with young trees planted throughout the area.
The Chachoengsao Provincial Land Reform Office has verified the land status based on official records and information, confirming that the excavated area is a Sor Por Kor land of approximately 28.43 rai. Inspection revealed that more than 176,000 cubic meters of soil were excavated. Damage assessment is currently underway.
The Chachoengsao Provincial Land Reform Office has filed a complaint with the investigating officers at Tha Takiap Police Station and will summon the two farmers who were allocated land in the area to provide information.
At the second location, encroachment on a national forest reserve was discovered in Moo 3, Ban Ko Loi, with piles of sand, evidence of heavy machinery use, and structures on the land. The area is currently classified as a national forest reserve and previously granted to the Royal Irrigation Department who has posted signs prohibiting unauthorised entry at the entrance.
However, it is unclear whether the land currently falls under the responsibility of the Royal Irrigation Department or the Royal Forest Department. In 1994, the Royal Irrigation Department requested permission to use 27,737 rai of national forest reserve land for the Khlong Siyad Reservoir project, for a period of 30 years but the permit expired in 2024.
Therefore, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has asked the Royal Irrigation Department and the Royal Forest Department to investigate the legal aspects and clarify which agency holds the rights to the area in order to proceed with the fact-finding process and legal action.
This field investigation employed a comprehensive fact-finding method, using drones to record aerial footage of the encroachment at both locations. Water samples were collected to test water quality in areas suspected of illegal sand washing, and soil samples were collected from both the sand excavation site and the suspected washing or storage site to determine if the sand originated from the same source. Fingerprints were also collected from structures in the area.
