Interior Ministry Probes Illegal Crown Land Sale to Celebrity's Husband

At 10:25 AM on October 28, 2026, at Muang Thong Thani, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior Arsit Samphanrat revealed a case involving a Ministry of Interior official who allegedly illegally sold Crown Property land to Athip Anuwan, husband of Panadda Wongphudee, known as "Bum." The official who conducted the sale is a former section chief, equivalent to level 8. The Ministry has verified the information, and Deputy Permanent Secretary Orathai Nanthamontri has signed an order appointing an investigation committee, with results expected within seven days. If disciplinary violations are found, further action will be taken. The Permanent Secretary stated that regardless of who committed wrongdoing, they must face legal consequences.

Regarding the kamnan whose name appears on the land sale documents, the Permanent Secretary said the matter must be referred to the Department of Provincial Administration, which will likely submit a report for the Ministry to review.

When asked about the district chief, who had a press conference cancelled and was summoned by the governor, Arsit said the governor reported the situation the previous night, acknowledging the summons. The district chief must now report to the governor, who will handle matters within the province.

Asked whether the district chief's behavior suggests wrongdoing, Arsit emphasized the need to await the fact-finding investigation. "If someone is at fault, they are at fault; nothing can change that because there is only one truth."

Regarding whether Crown Property land under military supervision can be sold, Arsit confirmed it cannot be sold. Therefore, investigators must determine if a genuine sale contract exists and who authorized it at the time.

On how many officials are under investigation, Arsit stated currently only one official from the Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior is identified.