Bangkok: The government is actively addressing land ownership issues by distributing land title deeds to residents of Uttaradit Province, aiming to enhance livelihoods and sustainably increase family income.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, announced that the government, led by Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, is prioritizing solutions for housing and land-related issues. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has accelerated the Community Land Allocation Policy (CLAP) to enhance life security, create job opportunities, and improve the quality of life for the people.
On May 23, 2016, a ceremony was conducted at the Tha Pla District Office auditorium in Uttaradit Province, where identification booklets were presented to individuals whose housing and livelihood issues in national forest reserves had been resolved, following the Cabinet resolution of November 26, 2018. The event witnessed significant participation from citizens and community leaders.
The deputy spokesperson emphasized that the Prime Minister is focused on resolving land ownership challenges in national forest reserves. This initiative aims to legally empower residents and farmers to utilize the land they have long inhabited and farmed, thus reducing inequality and fostering economic opportunities, particularly for small-scale farmers who require stability in their livelihoods and family income.
In Uttaradit Province, the Royal Forest Department has initiated projects across 9 districts, covering over 317,566 rai. These are divided into 4 area groups based on watershed quality classification and land utilization timelines. Currently, Group 1 has allocated land for community farming in 35 areas, totaling over 118,047 rai, with permits issued for 12 areas. The remaining areas are under processing, while Groups 2, 3, and 4 have received project approval and issued announcements under Section 19 in all 9 districts.
The issuance of land ownership certificates is crucial for ensuring land rights security, enabling residents to develop their economies, access capital, and enhance the quality of agricultural products. For instance, durian farmers in Lablae District have used their land ownership certificates to obtain GAP certification, boosting confidence in their produce, preventing price manipulation, and securing continuous advance orders.
Additionally, logging permits in designated forest areas have been granted to farmers in Uttaradit Province after due inspection and legal authorization. This initiative aims to promote a balanced use of resources while conserving forests and the environment sustainably.
The Department of Forestry reported that in the fiscal year 2026, a total of 1,800 farmers in Uttaradit Province received land ownership documents, covering areas in 8 districts. This signifies an essential step toward ensuring land security and promoting the government's policy of "people living with forests in a balanced and sustainable manner."
The deputy spokesperson reiterated the government's commitment to resolving land ownership issues in a concrete manner, ensuring housing, employment, income, and sustainable coexistence with natural resources, in line with the Prime Minister's continuously promoted policy.