Bonanza faces probe over encroachment
Officials inspect site after claim state land was seized
BONANZA Golf and Country Club Co Ltd is being investigated for allegedly encroaching on forest reserve and agricultural-reform land.
Pattamon Taechanarong, daughter of the Bonanza founder Paiwong Taechanarong, produced documents to contest the allegations. But she also promised to dismantle any structures and vacate occupied land if the firm is found guilty of encroachment.
Authorities are investigating an allegation that the firm encroached on about 151 rai of forest reserve and agricultural-reform land in Nakhon Ratchasima’s Pak Chong district, constructing a speedway, as well as developing a golf course there.
Justice Ministry deputy permanent secretary Dusadee Arawuit led a joint team of various authorities yesterday, including the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and Office of Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission, to inspect the alleged encroachment.
“The Royal Forest Department will lodge a complaint against the firm,” Dusadee said.
Relevant authorities would also investigate other plots currently occupied by the firm for its various business operations, such as a zoo and a housing estate, he added.
“Bonanza is the first target in the Justice Ministry’s plan to work in collaboration with relevant authorities in tackling the problem of influential figures encroaching on public land and exploiting public natural resources,” Dusadee said.
He said the DSI would look into whether any influential figure was involved in the Bonanza case, given that no officials had the courage to take action against the firm before.
Paiwong is among figures summoned by the National Council for Peace and Order after the coup last year. Bonanza facilities have often been used for red-shirt gatherings.
According to the Tambon Khanong Phra Administrative Organisation, Bonanza allegedly built the speedway without seeking proper permission.
Pak Chong Woodland chief Sirapop Dondee said officials found that Bonanza’s speedway encroached on some parts of the woodland many years ago. So far, he did not explain why he did not take action then.
Pattamon, who inherited the business from her father, said she only knew her father had bought plots from local people. She produced some documents to prove her point but promised to return the land to the state if her firm is found to have encroached on reserve and agricultural land.
