The ruling is linked to unlawful possession of land within Khao Soi Dao Wildlife Sanctuary in Chanthaburi. According to an NACC inquiry, in 2014, Lt Col Thanaphat purchased the three plots located in Soi Dao district from previous occupants. The land is situated within the wildlife sanctuary designated under Revolutionary Council Announcement No.200 on Aug 26, 1972. The commission found that after he was elected an MP on March 24, 2019, Lt Col Thanaphat continued to occupy and exploit the land. At the time, Lt Col Thanaphat was serving as an MP and was a member of a House committee studying land issues and land title issuance.

Source: Bangkok Post January 21, 2026 23:24 UTC