Defiant National Parks chief Chaiwat Limlikhitaksorn has challenged the Agriculture Ministry’s claim, based on the Army Survey Department’s “One Map”, that the disputed land in Khao Yai National Park is in a land reform (Sor Por Kor) area, but will be kept as a “buffer zone”.

Chaiwat is scheduled to testify to the House natural resources and environment committee on the disputed land today.

He dismissed the Army Survey Department’s confirmation that the disputed 304 hectares, claimed by the Nakhon Ratchasima Agricultural Land Reform Office (ALRO), is located in the buffer zone outside the park boundary.

He insists that the land belongs to the Khao Yai National Park,in accordance with the National Parks Act, and that the “buffer zone” is about three kilometres away from the park’s boundary.

He also said that the “One Map” used by the Agriculture Ministry to lay claim to the disputed land has not yet officially been approved, as he demanded that the Army Survey Department be “honest and speak the truth”.

Chaiwat said he is ready to explain the matter to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin if he is given the opportunity.