A petition accusing Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon and 2nd Army commander Lt Gen Wichai Saejorhor of neglect of duty in allowing a casino to be built by Cambodian investors in a disputed border area was filed with the Ombudsman on Monday. The petitioner accused Gen Prawit, in his capacity as defence minister, and Lt Gen Wichai of neglect of duty by allowing Cambodian private interests to build a casino in a disputed enclave along the border. Mr Srisuwan said Thailand regards the area as part of Ta Phraya National Park, which is part of the Khao Yai - Dong Phaya Yen World Heritage forest area. By allowing private individuals to invest in a gambling business in the area, the agencies responsible had committed malfeasance, causing damage to society and the country, according to the petition. For long-term use there must be a royal decree to revoke the national park status of the land, as required by the National Park Act of 1961.

Source: Bangkok Post March 27, 2017 10:18 UTC