The government has distanced itself from a controversial land policy floated by the pro-regime Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) that would allow farmers holding Sor Por Kor documents to seek commercial gains from their properties.
Government spokesman Buddhipongse Punnakanta told the Bangkok Post Tuesday Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha disagreed with the idea.
He insisted this was the PPRP's proposal and it was acting unilaterally.
His comment came after some Thai media reported that Gen Prayut had ordered his deputy Somkid Jatusripitak, in charge of the economy, to reject the proposal.
Mr Buddhipongse said he never acknowledged this was a move by the PM and did not understand why Mr Somkid was named.
The spokesman, who is also a PPRP member, was referring to a proposal by PPRP heavyweight Suchart Tancharoen, who suggested the use of Sor Por Kor land should be expanded instead of being limited to farming only.
According to Mr Suchart's suggestion, the land should also be used for industrial farming, healthcare resorts, and other suitable business activities.
Its value would be increased if the land could be leased or sold, he said. Moreover, the land could be used by occupants as collateral for loans.
The PPRP member said the Sor Por Kor land law should be amended as this would help lift millions of people out of poverty.
He said he would push this as the PPRP's campaign policy ahead of this year's general election.
But the proposal was rejected by Agriculture Minister Grisada Boonrach, who said there is already a law governing the Sor Por Kor land reform scheme.
The scheme was designed so poor landless people could farm and earn a living.
About 35 million rai was given to seven million poor farmers and ownership cannot change hands unless it is inherited, Mr Grisada said.
Critics have slammed the idea as the current law was put in place to stop Sor Por Kor land from falling into the hands of commercial developers.
PPRP member Wirat Rattanaseth said the policy is sensitive and the party is considering revising it.
The PPRP has declared its support for Gen Prayut to return as prime minister.
The party is led by four cabinet figures: Industry Minister Uttama Savanayana is its leader, Science and Technology Minister Suvit Maesincee is his deputy, Commerce Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong is the secretary-general, and PM's Office Minister Kobsak Pootrakool a spokesman.