Bangkok: Residents of the Khlong Kao housing estate have mobilized to petition the Ministry of Agriculture to halt the auction of their homes and land, amid accusations of mismanagement by the cooperative overseeing their properties. Over 100 community members have approached Minister Suriya Jungrungruangkit with a request to intervene and prevent the impending auctions that threaten their homes. According to Thai News Agency, the residents are urging the Ministry to compel the Credit Union Federation of Thailand to release debt repayment figures from the Sam Wa East Credit Union and to transfer funds paid by members to the Community Organization Development Institute (CODI). This transfer would assist residents in managing their housing debts. The suspension of the cooperative's operations, attributed to alleged irregularities and not member defaults, has left the community in distress, with many facing the loss of their homes. The affected group asserts that, despite adhering to repayment terms, they have faced a lack of transparency and guidance from authorities. Years of uncertainty have culminated in court orders to seize and auction their properties, causing significant mental health strains among members. A poignant testimony comes from Ms. Suwan Plaimont, a 67-year-old resident who has diligently paid off one plot of land and partially paid for two others. Despite her efforts, a court order now threatens the seizure of her assets, leaving her family, including three grandchildren and a disabled brother, at risk of losing their home. Ms. Suwan has voiced her despair and the severe impact this situation has had on her mental health. Similarly, Ms. Rungtiwa Meejanto, who has fully paid her 2.6 million baht debt, has yet to receive her title deed due to the cooperative's suspension. Her repeated attempts to clarify the situation have gone unanswered, leaving her fearful of asset seizure. Ms. Kaveeporn Raksujarit highlights discrepancies in contracts, where members paid consistently despite inadequate supp ort from the cooperative. She condemns the injustice faced by members, who are now left awaiting asset seizure orders. The residents have outlined four key demands to the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, emphasizing the need for transparency, a suspension of auctions, an independent investigation into the cooperative's management, and expedited government intervention to protect members' rights. Mr. Prasert Kaewkhamrak, a lawyer from the Lawyers for Social Network, acknowledges the complexity of the case, noting that while the legal procedures have been followed, the ongoing payments by residents have not reached the creditor. He stresses the importance of investigating potential concealed transactions and fraud. Mr. Tewin Narint, Assistant Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, indicated that the Ministry would prioritize the residents' proposals, with immediate efforts to delay the auctions and address the community's grievances.
