NAKHON RATCHASIMA: The Ombudsman has stepped in to mediate a dispute between the Fine Arts Department and more than 1,600 locals in Phimai district who claim the department has declared 2,600 rai of their land an archaeological site.
The villagers insist they have legal rights to the land, which was included as part of the archaeological site that is home to one of the largest Khmer temples in the country.
They also said the department made the declaration without first listening to the opinions of affected locals.
By not doing so, the department is believed to be in violation of Section 58 of the constitution, a source said.
A meeting was held yesterday to try and resolve the dispute. It was led by the Office of the Ombudsman and attended by department deputy director-general Phanombut Chantharachot and affected residents.
The residents expressed concern over rumours that their land could be expropriated, which has caused the price of their land to plummet. They also feared their land can no longer be used as collateral for financial transactions.
Phakhawat Bunkarun, representing community members in tambon Phimai municipality, said the problem stemmed largely from the department not informing residents about its plans.
The department's staff working at the archaeological site should leave and talks on the matter must be held, Mr Phakhawat said.
The affected villagers had earlier submitted a petition to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha calling for an investigation into the Fine Arts Department's alleged charter violation.
Another petition requesting an injunction from the Administrative Court to suspend the department's activities at the Phimai site was also filed.
Ombudsman Somsak Suwannasutcharit, said after yesterday's meeting that he would talk to the provincial governor to find a way round the problem.
