A retired land official from Nakhon Ratchasima, who had been on the run for almost a decade, has been arrested by anti-corruption police in connection with the illegal issuance of land title deeds for multiple plots of state-owned land around Khao Yai National Park.
Many of the plots were developed into resorts, hotels and housing projects.
According to Pol Lt-Col Siripong Sritula, of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission, the 70-year-old suspect, identified as “Arun”, used to be the chief of the land survey office in Nakhon Ratchasima and is alleged to have illegally issued multiple title deeds, covering about 320 hectares of land around Khao Yai National Park in Pak Chong district as well as many land plots in other districts.
Siripong said the officials are still looking for three other suspects, who remain at large.
He said that officials must try to track down these fugitives before the expiry of the statute of limitations.
Land around Khao Yai national park is described as prime land, eyed by real estate developers because of its proximity to the park, good weather and natural environment. The area is also only 3-hour drive from Bangkok, which is ideal for weekend retreats.
