(Photo supplied/Wassayos Ngamkham)A Saraburi forest monastery is accused of illegally occupying more than 2,000 rai of state land to build meditation huts and host concerts. Representatives of the temple and the Pa Chana Jai Foundation for Peace said they are willing to clarify the situation, and are collecting documents related to original land ownership and funding sources to explain the facts. Sor Por Kor land is a government "right to farm" certificate that cannot be sold, bought or mortgaged, and must be used solely for agriculture. Mr Surasak claimed the temple was originally established on 13 rai of land donated by villagers. If checks confirm the area remains Sor Por Kor land, the foundation is ready to restore the forest to its rightful owners, he said.

Source: Bangkok Post February 22, 2026 22:59 UTC