Lt Cdr Phongsakorn Itsamut of ISOC Phuket received the petition from lawyers acting on behalf of the heirs of Panthong Na Ranong yesterday (Mar 13).
The lawyers argued that Mr Panthong’s land was covered by Chanote title deeds 46250 and 46251.
The deeds were legally issued but became entangled in a forgery case, leading to its seizure as evidence, the lawyers said.
While other affected title deeds were revoked, Mr Panthong’s remained valid. However, when he sought their return, authorities informed him they had been destroyed, the lawyers said.
The Royal Forest Department declared 41 rai at Freedom Beach a recreational forest on Jan 31 (see story here), preventing the heirs from reclaiming their land.
The lawyers have since taken the matter to the Administrative Court to have the Phuket Provincial Land Office return the original title deeds to Mr Panthong’s heirs.
They are also requesting the Phuket Governor to halt the forest designation pending legal resolution.
Lt Cdr Phongsakorn stated that authorities will review the evidence and submit findings to the governor to ensure fairness to all parties.