Land Dispute Deepens as Heir's Family Clarifies Nine-Child Claim
Nine heirs are disputing ownership of a 21-rai temple plot in Khon Kaen, claiming the land title was never legally transferred despite a promise to donate it, while clarifying that a niece was included as the ninth heir due to her dedicated
The nine-heir claim has become a focal point in a heated dispute over temple land in Muang Khon Kaen. The heirs argue the 21-rai plot remains family property because the land title still bears the original owner's name and no legal deed transfer to the temple or Buddhist authorities was ever properly executed. The heirs contend that even though a document promised the land to the temple, it contained a condition that the temple must be completed first—a condition that never came to pass after the landowner's death, thus voiding the agreement.
Questions have arisen about the landowner's true heirs, as initial reports indicated nine children, yet Pa Da's exact family relationship remained unclear. Pa Da has explained that she is a niece through the wife's side of the family and a genuine relative, adding that she would not be able to manage family affairs otherwise. Recently, on August 14, 2025, during a media program hosted by Noam Karchai, Bua Khai, the fourth daughter of the deceased, clarified that Pa Da is a relative of the landowner's wife and was brought into the family as a ninth child because she has consistently cared for everyone. The family decided not to exclude her from the inheritance given her devoted service.
The temple's abbot has displayed the original land title but says the transfer of ownership to the temple has not yet been completed. The abbot insists he will not move from his position and expressed no fear of death, stating he will not accept questionable donations and is taking precautions.
