Thai Actor Tuk Wins Court Case Over Village Facility Access
Thai actor Tuk Buriboon celebrated after officials removed locks and signs that had prevented villagers from using the community swimming pool, tennis and badminton courts. The decision followed a lawsuit by the village's juristic person against the project owner, who had sold the facilities and blocked access. Tuk thanked his lawyers and the Samut Prakan Provincial Court, noting the case may still be appealed.
The project owner had originally advertised the village as offering a swimming pool, tennis court and badminton court. After selling the land and these facilities to another company, the new owner blocked access with locks and signs and planned to dismantle the amenities for resale. Residents, unable to use the deteriorating facilities, banded together and had the village's juristic person sue both the original developer and the transferee company. The Samut Prakan Provincial Court ruled that the facilities constitute a compulsory easement for the village, ordering the company to register the easement or treat the judgment as proof of intent, and to remove the locks and prohibitive signs. The court also barred the developer and company from interfering with the villagers' use of the facilities. Tuk Buriboon and his neighbors thanked the court for the victory, although they noted the case remains open to appeal.
