Thailand Expedites Land Rights Assistance Following Widespread Flooding
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The Thai Department of Lands is implementing a series of urgent measures to support citizens impacted by recent devastating floods and other natural disasters across southern provinces. Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul has directed the department to prioritize alleviating damage and safeguarding the land rights of affected individuals, ensuring continued public service access.
The response comes as many communities grapple with the aftermath of extensive flooding, fires, storms, and other calamities. The Department of Lands is focusing on three key areas to provide immediate relief and long-term stability.
Lowering Financial Barriers to Recovery
A significant component of the relief effort centers on easing the financial burden on those seeking to rebuild. The department has dramatically reduced mortgage registration fees to 0.01 percent, down from a previous rate of 1 percent. This reduction applies to loans specifically intended for damage restoration following floods, fires, storms, and other declared disasters.
To streamline the process, individuals can obtain a “Certificate of Rights” from their local Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Municipality, or Provincial Administrative Organization. This certificate can be immediately used to apply for the reduced registration fees, accelerating access to crucial funding.
Resolving Land Boundary Disputes
The floods have complicated land ownership in some areas, leading to uncertainty regarding property lines. The Department of Lands is proactively addressing this issue through comprehensive land surveys and examinations of title deed areas.
These surveys will focus on alleviating the suffering of those whose boundary lines or markers have been lost or obscured. The department will leverage satellite imagery to assist in these examinations, particularly in cases where boundaries are blurred or markers have been washed away. This technology will provide a crucial tool for resolving disputes and restoring clarity to land ownership.
Replacing Lost Land Title Deeds
For those who have lost their land title deeds due to the disaster, the Department of Lands is expediting the issuance of replacements. Individuals can apply for a “replacement of land title deed” at local land offices, with priority given to those in the most heavily affected areas.
Land offices in flood-impacted regions are prioritizing these requests to ensure people can quickly re-establish proof of ownership and begin the rebuilding process.
The Department of Lands has also activated its Business Continuity Plan (BCP) to ensure uninterrupted service delivery. Services are available both online and at nearby land offices, even if the local office has been directly affected by the disaster. This commitment to continuity underscores the department’s dedication to supporting citizens during this challenging time.
