The plot was initially being used as a site for the court officials&rsquo; residences, when locals rose to protest, saying it was eating into forested land.&nbsp; 
The construction of court officials homes, costing the government nearly Bt1 billion, was close to completion when it was brought to a halt by protesters.&nbsp; 
&ldquo;The conflict should be over now. We have already vacated the plot and provided funds for rehabilitation,&rdquo; Sarawut Benjakul, secretary-general of the Judiciary Office told the Senate on Monday. He was responding to questions about the controversy. 
He added that the government has given his office Bt800 million to build homes for court officials as well as buildings for courts within Chiang Rai province instead.

Bt19m earmarked for rehabilitation of land at foot of Doi Suthep

The Judiciary Office has allocated Bt19 million for the rehabilitation of a plot of land at the foot of Chiang Mai’s Doi Suthep, which was recently the subject of controversy and protests from locals and environmentalists.