Ex-Official Defends Stand Against Inflated Land Compensation in Highway Project
Former deputy director-general Sakchai Tangho defended his role in blocking inflated land compensation claims for Highway 7 construction, saving the state roughly 300 million baht. A businessman who lost the compensation dispute filed a fal
Sakchai Tangho, former deputy director-general of the Department of Local Administration, disclosed the behind-the-scenes details of a land reclamation case for the Highway 7 construction project spanning the Nong Prue to Ban Chang corridor. The dispute stretched over 10 years before the Supreme Court sentenced a businessman to four years imprisonment for filing a false lawsuit, without awaiting final execution of sentence. Sakchai noted that his objections to the compensation assessment helped save the state budget approximately 300 million baht.
The incident occurred in 2014 after the then-Transport Minister appointed a committee to set preliminary compensation rates for land reclamation for the Highway 7 project, with representatives from various local agencies serving as committee members.
During deliberation, six land plots were found to have been proposed for compensation at rates significantly higher than surrounding areas. Notably, one plot was quoted at 75,000 baht per square wah, while most areas were set at approximately 5,000 baht per square wah, and even high-potential areas around 10,000 baht per square wah.
Sakchai stated he raised objections at the meeting, believing the prices were abnormally high. He conducted fieldwork and inquired with original landowners, discovering that the six plots had actual transaction values totaling approximately 99 million baht, significantly different from the proposed compensation value of approximately 390 million baht.
He subsequently requested a price review meeting. Although the initial vote opposed reconsideration, a subsequent meeting saw majority committee members agreeing to adjust prices based on actual transaction data, ultimately setting compensation at approximately 89-90 million baht.
Sakchai noted that this compensation reduction saved the government approximately 300 million baht.
However, the businessman subsequently filed a lawsuit against him at the Anti-Corruption Court, alleging abuse of power that prevented him from receiving the claimed compensation. The court dismissed the case at all levels, and it reached finality.
Sakchai then filed a counter-suit for false accusation. The Supreme Court ruled on June 30, 2023, sentencing the defendant to four years imprisonment without awaiting execution. Sakchai noted the defendant did not appear for the verdict and remains a fugitive.
Sakchai also commented that law enforcement in Thailand should become more efficient, particularly in tracking fugitives. He observed that certain interpretations of the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) may hinder disclosure of information about fugitives to enable public assistance in providing leads.
Furthermore, he urged all civil servants to uphold integrity, perform duties for public benefit, and resist pressure or illegal interests, viewing honesty and transparent work as vital safeguards in public service.
