Ministry mulls how to scrap Yongyuth Alpine land order

The Interior Ministry is considering how to nullify an administrative order of former deputy permanent secretary Yongyuth Wichaidit involving the sale of monastic land for the Alpine golf course in Pathum Thani.

In his capacity as acting permanent secretary, Mr Yongyuth used an administrative law to overrule the Department of Land’s (DOL) decision to revoke the sale of the land to Alpine Real Estate and Alpine Golf and Sports Club.

Interior Minister Gen Anupong Paojinda said the permanent secretary has been assigned to study a recent court ruling against Mr Yongyuth and determine which approaches are available.

He was referring to a Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases ruling which found Mr Yongyuth, also a former Pheu Thai Party leader, guilty of abuse of authority over the land controversy.

The DOL was following the Council of State’s ruling that the Pathum Thani land was a monastic property that could not be sold and transferred.

Gen Anupong said the ministry will be working on the case to make sure the Council of State’s ruling is complied with, while noting that some 600 home-buyers can take their case to the Administrative Court if they are affected by a future ministry decision.

Meanwhile, the cabinet has approved the transfer of Manas Taratjai, directorgeneral of the Religious Affairs Department under the Culture Ministry, to become director of the National Office of Buddhism.

Mr Manas retires on Oct 1, 2018 and one of his key tasks will be the Alpine land case.

The transfer was proposed by Prime Minister’s Office Minister Ormsin Chivapruck and approved by Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam.

The position has become a hot potato since the Department of Special Investigation tried to arrest Phra Dhammajayo, the abbot of Wat Phra Dhammakaya, in February this year. The attempt met strong resistance from temple disciples and monks.